When one thinks of the city of Pisa or considers a villa in Pisa and holiday in this famous destination, it is hard not to immediately first think of the city’s iconic Leaning Tower. However, as it is an ancient and storied city in Tuscany, there is a rich and vibrant artistic and cultural history that goes far beyond just one building. Those who have found a villa with pool in Pisa and are taking the time to see all that she has to offer will quickly discover many more wonderful architectural gems, fascinating churches with incredible frescoes and art objects, museums, and, even, a famous mural by the beloved artist Keith Haring.
This work, “Tuttomondo,” was painted in 1989, shortly before the artist died prematurely in 1990 due to complications related to HIV, the work was made in collaboration with the students of Caparol Center, the suppliers of an acrylic tempera paint. Based on themes of peace and harmony in the world, it is painted on the wall of the former convent of S. Antonio and makes for a striking message of hope and possibility as this bright and colourful and unmissable thing of sheer beauty created by a gay HIV positive artist on the side of a Catholic building. Free to visit whenever you wish and located across from the Keith Café, admirers can sit for a spell with a bite to eat or a coffee or both and examine the work more closely. It is a true must-see for art-lovers and Haring fans on vacation in Pisa!
However, if you are planning a holiday in Pisa in the next couple of months, you will get to enjoy Haring’s return to the city and much more of his work at a wonderful exhibition currently on display in the city’s famous Palazzo Blu museum. Opened back in November, the exhibition continues until the 17th of April 2022 and was created by the Pisa Foundation in collaboration with MondoMostre and with the generous participation of the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection. This collection, curated by Kaoru Yanase, is a truly exceptional overview of Haring’s work and, with over 170 pieces being loaned to the Palazzo Blu, it is the most impressive such showcase dedicated to Haring to be displayed in Europe. It is also the first time for the Nakamura collection, normally at residence in the museum dedicated to the artist in Japan that is composed of Kazuo Nakamura’s personal collection, to visit Europe, presenting a unique opportunity to see it on this continent.
This impressive exhibition shows a range of pieces from some of the artist’s first to last works, several complete series including Apocalypse (1988) and Flowers (1990), and a variety of different types of pieces in different media including drawings, sculptures, and works on canvas. The display sees the pieces arranged in nine different sections through which the visitors is directed in a path. The first is Principle, a curation that shows Haring’s beginnings as an artist fascinated by graffiti who then started to add his own drawings and works at stations while evading notice by the police. Beyond the Limits explores his time working in fluorescent shades inspired by club interiors. The Stories section looks at how he worked with children and made images that were universal and could be understood by all. Haring in Pisa explains how Tuttomondo came to be. Symbols and Icons showcases his uses of symbols as a way to explore themes such as love, life, death, pop culture, and politics and as a precursor to the emojis so central to life and communication today. Message and Music explores the issues that were most dear to him including AIDS prevention, gay rights, apartheid, racism, drug use, war, violence, and environmental protection and how he collaborated with musicians such as Bowie and many other cultural figures to try and get his messages across to the public. Primordial Energy looks at the inspiration of Aztec, Inuit, African and Afro-American art and ancient and mythological symbols on his work. Dystopia Revealed is a showcase of Haring’s collaboration with beat writer William Burroughs in a series of despairing images that, though not without some of his characteristic humour and flare, were inspired by his HIV diagnosis. Finally, The End of the Principle showcases the series of seventeen screenprints that were published in 1990, a month before his death, in comic strips that combine his characteristic symbols with images of the dark sides of society.
A true tribute to the artist’s entire life and career, this fascinating exhibition is a truly one-of-a-kind experience to take in Haring’s work in the city in Tuscany to which he had a unique and unexpected connection. For fans of his work and art-lovers alike who are planning a spring getaway in Tuscany this year or a vacation in Pisa, in particular, it is undoubtedly the must-see exhibition currently on display in Tuscany. So, be sure to set aside time to visit! And, if you weren’t already planning a trip and you like the sound of the exhibition, it is just one more reason to jump to it now and book that holiday in Pisa that you’ve been thinking about before it’s too late! Don’t miss out on this extraordinary art experience in Pisa.
Keith Haring
12th of November 2021 to 17th of April 2022
Palazzo Blu
Lungarno Gambacorti 9, 56125 Pisa
+39 050 916 950
info@palazzoblu.it