Michael Halsband: Artists

Michael Halsband’s iconic 1985 portrait of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol no. 143 in boxing gloves became such a staple of popular culture that its appropriation by contemporary visual artists and street artists continues thirty years on. This was an auspicious early moment in a career that saw Halsband photographing a canon of 20th century artists including Eric Fischl, April Gornik, Keith Haring, Louise Nevelson, Nam June Paik, Larry Rivers, and many more. This exhibition features a selection of Halsband’s photographs of close artist friends. A major highlight is several never-before-seen pictures of Jean-Michel Basquiat, captured in playful environments like climbing a tree, having a meal, and exploring city streets in France, Italy and Portugal. Basquiat’s humor and spirit are expressed in these fleeting moments captured by his friend and fellow artist, Michael Halsband, and are assembled here together for the first time. - Andrea Grover, Curator

BIOGRAPHY

Born and raised in New York City, Michael Halsband discovered photography in the school darkroom at age 10. He received a B.F.A. from the School of Visual Arts in 1980 and began making portraits of artists and musicians, including his most known and iconic portrait of Andy Warhol & Jean-Michel Basquiat with boxing gloves.  His early projects included six months as the tour photographer for The Rolling Stones on their 1981 “Tattoo You” tour, as well as a six-year project documenting the School of American Ballet.  In 2005, Michael published “Surf Book,” a collection of his portraits of legendary surfers, and the culmination of a five-year project.  He has exhibited nationally and internationally, including his most recent solo exhibitions, “Halsband Portraits,” in April 2015 at the National Arts Club, Grand Gallery in New York City, and a larger retrospective also titled “Halsband Portraits,” at the Southampton Arts Center, NY, in November 2017.  Michael published his second book, “Halsband Portraits,” as an accompaniment to the National Arts Club exhibition.  He is currently continuing to make portraits in the studio he has lived and worked in since 1979. 

Artworks exhibited at The Betsy are for sale in partnership with artists and their respective managers.  Please contact Sandra Rovira at [email protected] for more information.