Keith Haring

Keith Haring. Painter? Defining him as an artist or protagonist of pop art is not enough. He was a man with the precise mission of “touching” the other’s lives in a positive way, fighting inequalities graphically and verbally, celebrating life and vitality. His story can be summed up in the iconic sign of his “radiant baby“, a simple outline of a baby crawling on the floor with lines emanating from them, representing youthful innocence, purity, and goodness.

“Some highlights: Pisa. It seemed incredible that all because of some people I met in the street in New York, this whole big exhibition is being organized. They are seriously interested and offering me both a wall for a mural or fresco and an exhibition in a 1,000-year-old building. The exhibition could be incredible since it will force me to place my art in a variety of historical contexts and contrasts.

The restored building has levels from various historical periods, which appear in different parts; a well-curated and well-organized exhibition would enhance both the building and the art. Pisa itself is really beautiful, too. The tower is remarkable. We saw it in daylight and then in the light of the full moon. It is really major and also hysterical. Every time you look at it, it makes you smile”.
(Thursday 22 September 1989)

These are the last words we can read in Keith Haring’s diary. In Pisa, he made his last masterpiece, here is his last will, and that’s why an exhibition about Keith Haring in Pisa is not the same as the others. This event is organized by Palazzo Blu, together with the Pisa Foundation and the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection (collection curated by K. Yanase, a precious set of works that marks and celebrates the author’s life).

170 works by Keith Haring, still innovative nowadays, showed in a historical context, a fascinating meet between pop art and ancient story, a clash generating art. A perfect itinerary after the exhibition should end with the Tuttomondo mural, the latest work created by Haring, just 1900 ft from Palazzo Blu. You will find yourself in the presence of a hymn to peace, enjoying life. 30 dynamic figures dancing together, as a metaphor for harmony.

The exhibition will be open until April 17, 2022, while it will always be possible to admire the Tuttomondo mural. We invite you to make a short enthralling stop in Pisa, during your stay in Florence, to experience a lasting emotion. It is about living art, feeling part of it, making your life a work of art. After all, just like Haring said himself: “A wall is meant to be drawn, a Saturday night to party, and life is meant to be celebrated.”

Thanks to ems_fh_shots for the photo.