“The Intellectual” by Beatrice Brandini

Keith Haring “Dog”, 1996

Pisa, in the magnificent rooms of Palazzo Blu, hosts the beautiful exhibition “Keith Haring”, until April 17, 2022.

The facade of Palazzo Blu, entrance to the exhibition

Untitled (three dancing figure, version B), 1989

Untitled (head through stomach), 1987 -1988

The exhibition, created by the Pisa Foundation in collaboration with MondoMostre and with the extraordinary participation of the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection, curated by Kaoru Yanase, Chief Curator of the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection, pays tribute to the American artist, father of the street artist, and who always had a special bond with Pisa.

   

The Story of Red + Blue, 1989

   

The Story of Red + Blue, 1989

Haring in fact stayed for a long time in the Tuscan town, giving it one of his most important works, the mural “Tuttomondo” on the wall of the convent of S. Antonio, which over the years has become an obligatory stop in the visit of the city from the leaning tower.

   

Glimpses of the exhibition

Keith Haring photographed in front of his work Untitled (People)

The exhibition presents for the first time in Europe a very rich selection of works, over 170, coming from the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection, the personal collection of Kazuo Nakamura, which is located in the museum dedicated to the artist in Japan, and visiting it for a preview, I assure you that it is truly extraordinary.

Stefano del Corso, President of the Pisa Foundation, during the press conference

Italy 83, 1983

Keith Haring in Milan… Salvatore Ala, 1984

Keith Haring is the father of works recognized and loved by all, his stylized men, hearts, dogs, graphic signs, are now part of a collective imagination at an international level; even if not everyone knows that in reality these few graphic signs were full of symbols and messages, the result of the creativity of a gentle and delicate soul, who throughout his short life tried to fight against stereotypes, discrimination, inequalities, in favor of gender rights, words and contents that are never more relevant and urgent than now.

Andy Mouse, 1986

Cover, Haring’s contribution to music

The exhibition traces Haring’s entire artistic career, showing us how many expressive techniques he investigated. In fact, in the rooms you can admire paintings, drawings, sculptures, murals, advertisements …

The Baby Beat Box, Emanon 1986

A very special Christmas,  1987

Furthermore, as underlined by the President of Palazzo Blu, Cosimo Bracci Torsi, during the press conference, there are many artists who have passed from Palazzo Blu, from Chagall to Modigliani, from Warhol to Kandinskij, but no one has ever worked in our city, nor there he left important works. Haring it!

Untitled, 1986

Absolut Vodka, Country of Sweden, 1986

The exhibition itinerary starts from the PRINCIPLE, in which his beginnings are told in the city of New York, where Haring draws on the advertising panels with an immediate language that becomes immediately recognizable. The BEYOND THE LIMITS section enhances works with fluorescent colors in a dark area. Then there are the STORIES, in my opinion in one of the most interesting parts, in which the work The Story of Red + Blue, from 1989, is exhibited, a series of lithographs made especially for children, which has become very popular and used in various competitions. storytelling is included in the educational processes of many American schools.

   

Kaoru Yanase during the interview with behind the work: Tseng Kwong Chi Bill T. Jones body painting with Keith Haring, 1983

Untitled (Medusa), 1986

Then there is the HARING IN PISA section, which tells of the meeting and friendship with Piergiorgio Castellani, obviously the choral work for the realization of the Tuttomondo mural.

The MUSIC section, where various album covers are exhibited; that MESSAGE, with which, thanks to the posters, Haring wishes to reach as many people as possible, addressing social issues such as those related to AIDS, gay rights, apartheid, violence, drugs.

Icons (three -Eyed Face), 1990

Icons (Radiant Baby), 1990

SYMBOLS AND ICONS, which includes the most iconic characters of Haring’s poetics.

Then again DISTOPIA REVEALED, in which his art becomes more aware but also deeper and more complex. And so much more.

The President of Palazzo Blu Cosimo Bracci Torsi

“With the child Haring identifies the most effective means to ensure immortality. Two days before his death, too weak even to speak, he takes a marker and repeatedly tries to draw something, then finally he succeeds: the image is none other than the radiant child. A newborn who releases rays of power received from the universe; …. And after Keith’s death, this iconic image continues to convey his message of joy. The radiant child represents Keith Haring himself ”. Kaoru Yanase

Untitled (Self Portrait), 1988

Keith Haring

It is a very beautiful exhibition, and, as I often write, it is perfect for your children, grandchildren, friends. Art and culture are more fundamental than ever in these times characterized by uncertainty, an uncertainty amplified by the pandemic. We have been missing these places for approx. two years, reviewing an exhibition in attendance, getting lost in the rooms of a great artist, learning about his history and explaining it to the little ones, is really a gift for their growth. Haring then teaches us to have respect for minorities, to protect the environment and to include every human being.

“The first thing I want to do is break down the barrier between commercial and traditional art. My hope is that one day, the kids who spend their time on the street will get used to being surrounded by art and that they can feel at ease if they go to a museum “. Keith Haring

Good life to everyone!

Beatrice