The Louisiana Museum in Denmark is currently featuring an impressive collection of early works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, focusing specifically on his drawings of heads, which he frequently created in the early stages of his career. These pieces, however, were kept private by the artist throughout his life, raising intriguing questions about his motivations for withholding them from public view.

Art historians and enthusiasts ponder the reasons behind Basquiat's decision to not exhibit these head drawings, which he produced during his twenties, a period marked by his rapid rise to fame. Some speculate that these works may have been considered too personal or possibly just preliminary sketches intended for later projects. Others suggest he may have thought they were not up to the standards he set for his public work, leaving a lasting enigma regarding his artistic legacy.

The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore these lesser-known aspects of Basquiat's oeuvre, enhancing our understanding of his creative process. As art institutions increasingly delve into the private collections and unpublished works of celebrated artists, this display not only showcases Basquiat's talent but also speaks to the broader theme of what artists choose to reveal or conceal throughout their careers.