Modern Masters Amsterdam

From pop art pioneers like Andy Warhol to the raw energy of Jean-Michel Basquiat, the social activism of Keith Haring and the immersive environment and abstract paintings of Yayoi Kusama, this exhibition showcases the work of famous modern artists have made an enduring impact on generations of creatives and on the whole art world.  

Art of Moco Masters

Moco Museum Amsterdam is known for its commitment to showcasing modern and contemporary artists. It houses an unparalleled collection of artworks, featuring paintings, sculptures and large-scale installations that engage visitors in thought-provoking ways. The Modern Masters have inspired countless generations and united art lovers around the world. Each master is celebrated for having a unique vision. They seize their moment in time to reflect and envision the future. Daring to change our world, they create work that becomes timeless.

With global impact, Moco Modern Masters have found their way into homes and museums worldwide – shaping our collective consciousness. Their names, art, and ideas are deeply woven in the fabric of our everyday lives. Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Yayoi Kusama – All Icons.

Visitors will find a diverse range of styles and artistic practices, from abstract paintings to socially engaged art. As a short walk from many of Amsterdam’s cultural landmarks, the Moco Museum offers an enriching experience for both seasoned art lovers and newcomers.  

Andy Warhol

No discussion of modern art is complete without Andy Warhol, a prominent figure in the pop art movement. He is known for his fascination with consumerism and celebrity culture. Warhol revolutionised the art world with his use of bold colors, mass production techniques and various mediums. His most iconic paintings, such as Marilyn Diptych and Campbell’s Soup Cans, transformed everyday imagery into high art, questioning the nature of fame and commodification.   

When Andy Warhol arrived on the New York scene in 1949, he started as a commercial illustrator for magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Immediately he was drawn to the high-heeled shoe. As an American artist, Warhol’s work remains central to contemporary art, influencing artists across generations. His legacy continues at the modern artists gallery of the Moco Museum, where visitors can witness his enduring impact on the contemporary art world. 

New York in the 50s was powered by consumerism, the cult of the celebrity, commodity, and pop culture – all of which led to the birth of Pop Art. Today, Andy Warhol art brings to mind iconic imagery of Marilyn Monroe, paintings of Campbell Soup Cans, bananas, flowers, and celebrity portraits. In Amsterdam, Andy Warhol is proudly exhibited at the Modern Masters exhibition at Moco Museum.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat was a visionary in the modern art scene He rose to fame with his raw, expressive style. His paintings combined elements of street art, symbolism and social critique. It was offering powerful reflections on race, identity, human experience and power dynamics. Basquiat’s use of the human form, energetic brushstrokes and cryptic text created a visual language that resonated deeply within the contemporary art scene.

His works, now displayed in museums of modern art worldwide, have garnered acclaim for their emotional depth and historical significance. The Moco Museum exhibition provides a rare opportunity to experience Basquait’s works up close. The exhibition is showcasing his profound impact on the art world.     

Jean-Michel Basquiat painted professionally for only 7 years until his death in 1988 at the age of 27. He employed a Neo-Expressionist style to engage both Western and non-Western traditions of art to highlight his own background and identity. In 1981, he successfully made the transition from influential street artist to world-renowned painter. Jean-Michel Basquiat began to exhibit his paintings and art internationally. Decades later, you can experience Jean-Michel Basquiat art at Moco Museum Amsterdam.

Still to this day, Basquiat paintings are deeply coveted and appreciated amongst art lovers across the world.

When asked to define his art, Basquiat replied, “royalty, heroism and the streets.”

Keith Haring

The art of Keith Haring is instantly recognisable for its dynamic lines, standout colors and socially conscious themes. As a street artist turned global sensation, Haring used his talent to advocate for social justice. Particularly in raising awareness about AIDS and LGBTQ rights. 

Haring’s signature figures, dancing and interacting across vast canvases and urban spaces, transformed public spaces into modern art installations. Haring’s legacy is displayed at the modern art gallery of the Moco Museum. It remains an integral part of contemporary art. 

Whether you were walking down the street, changing trains, or dancing until sunrise, bold drawings declared: Keith Haring was here! Now, Keith Haring is in Amsterdam at Moco Museum.

The Modern Master created icons that are now synonymous with the artist, such as Keith Haring Dog, Radiant Baby, Dancing Man, Bat Demon, and Angel among many others. Keith Haring’s original art was seen by everyone, and remains timeless because it reveals no hint of gender, race, religion, human condition or sexual orientation – everyone is equal. The art of Keith Haring continues to speak to a world that’s hip and streetwise, creative, spontaneous, and loving.

Yayoi Kusama

Among the most celebrated Japanese artists, Yayoi Kusama has captivated the art world with her mesmerising large-scale installations, signature polka dots and infinity rooms. Yayoi’s work explores themes of mental health, identity and the infinite nature of the universe. 

Kusama’s immersive artworks transport visitors into surreal landscapes, where mirrored spaces and vibrant paintings create a boundless sense of possibility.

The lifelong connection between Yayoi Kusama and pumpkins goes back to her childhood. The contemporary art artist adores them for their “humorous form, warm feeling, and human form quality.” The pumpkin brought Kusama back to a place of safety. At Moco Museum Amsterdam, the Yayoi Kusama exhibit is an immersive experience, dedicated to her love for pumpkins.

An interesting fact: the renowned female artist voluntarily commits to living and working inside a psychiatric hospital, proving her creativity is unlimited.

In 1993, Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Room appeared at Venice Biennale in the Japanese Pavilion, completely filled with yellow polka dot pumpkins! She even had extras as takeaways for visitors.

Explore Modern Art Masters at Moco Museum Amsterdam

The Modern Art Masters exhibition at the Moco Museum Amsterdam is a must-visit for anyone passionate about modern art. Discovering Warhol’s pop art to Kusama’s signature works, this exhibition provides an unparalleled journey through the paintings and sculptures of famous modern art artists. 

Whether you’re interested in the rebellious energy of Basquiat, the social impact of Haring or the self-obliteration works of Kusama, Moco Museum offers inspiring exploration of modern and contemporary art. Step into the modern artists gallery, find and explore the inspiration of these modern art artists and discover how their creations continue to shape the art world of today. 

Book your tickets for the exhibition and immerse yourself in the themes and history of the most famous modern artists at Moco Museum Amsterdam! 

Not all artworks are always on display

Our collection exhibits paintings and sculptures on loan and from the Moco Collection. We keep our exhibitions ever-evolving, so every visit is a fresh experience. Occasionally, this means some artworks on our website are not always on view in the museum. We appreciate your understanding.