Basquiat, Warhol, Haring, Wesselmann: The masters of post-modern art come to the GC in world exclusive

The figureheads who spurred the movement of pop art are here on the Gold Coast in a world exclusive. See more.

Pop art. The foundation of a new wave, a new age, a new era of enlightenment.

A movement that ushered in a fusion of cultural and historical compositions, distorting and contradicting each interpersonal and intrapersonal upheaval with each brushstroke, each print, each pixel.

Look inside Pop Masters Exhibition with HOTA curator Bradley Vincent in front of "New York, New York" by Jean-Michel Basquiat. Picture Glenn Hampson

The figureheads who spurred the movement of pop art, a wave of the post-modern are here - on the Gold Coast - in a world exclusive.

To think such a collection of celebrated artists - dead or alive - would ever be here on display in this city is mind-blowing.

The cultural and historical significance of these artists and their work is intercultural, generational. Profound beyond articulation.

And it’s here.

They’re here.

Basquiat, Warhol, Haring, Wesselmann.

The artists that changed the trajectory of contemporary art, film, value, culture.

The methods of which we communicate and address matters consumerism and politics, culture and history. The artists that inspired and continue to inspire a generation, including Queensland’s own Indigenous artist Gordon Bennett whose series Notes to Basquiat pays homage to the late artist - transcending time and culture through the means of appropriation.

Bradley Vincent with Andy Warhol self-portrait (Camouflage) at HOTA. Picture Glenn Hampson

Walking through this exhibition was awe-inspiring to say the least.

Goosebumps covered me, head-to-toe, as I laid eyes on the up-close works of some of the biggest artists in history. Tears were held back as I tried to fathom how in my home town, the artists who have inspired and transported my body and mind were here, eternalised through their art and making life that little more bearable through their collective works of expression.

If there’s one thing you need to do Gold Coast, it’s to immerse yourself in this incredible cultural experience we have right here on our doorstep.

The exhibition Pop Masters: Art from the Mugrabi Collection opens to the public February 18 at HOTA.