Red Eight Gallery: Keith Haring's Subway Drawing Revolution

art, exhibition

In the vibrant tapestry of 1980s New York City, a cultural renaissance unfolded in the heart of the East Village art scene. It was a time when the city's gritty streets became the canvas for visionaries like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kenny Scharf, Jenny Holzer, and one name that shone particularly bright amidst this artistic fervor - Keith Haring. Haring's art bridged the chasm between the established art world and the raw energy of the streets, his vibrant creations adorning subways and sidewalks, etching their way into the very soul of the city.

From 1980 to 1985, Haring embarked on a prolific journey of street art, creating an astonishing approximate of 5,000 pieces during this five-year period. Yet, what sets Haring apart isn't just the sheer volume of his work but the profound impact it had on the collective consciousness of New York and beyond. In 1982, Haring burst onto the scene like a comet, attracting a dedicated following of fans, collectors, and admirers. So fervent was their admiration that they would peel his chalk drawings from the subway walls, a practice that became as much a testament to his art's magnetic allure as it was an act of devotion.

The story takes a twist as we delve into the archives of a New York maintenance worker, who quietly amassed a treasure trove of these ephemeral works over the years. As time passed, this remarkable collection lay hidden, a secret cache of Haring's genius awaiting rediscovery. Now, in a momentous revelation, Red 8 gallery unveils these long-lost pieces, offering them to a world that has been yearning to reconnect with Keith Haring's transcendent vision. All the work is for sale!

Exhibition room, Red 8 gallery, ground floor

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