Keith Haring's subway chalk drawings and his arrest in 1980s New York
In the early 1980s, an unknown young artist filled New York subway stations and building walls with chalk drawings, often fleeing from guards or blending into crowds. His simple yet personal motifs later became art history. Occasionally caught, he was taken to the police station for hours. Keith Haring frequently visited Italy: in Bologna, invited by Francesca Alinovi for the "Arte di Frontiera" exhibition; in Milan, hosted by Elio Fiorucci for a 24-hour happening in his store; and his final work was on the side wall of the Convent of Sant'Antonio Abate in Pisa. In 1982, an American television network first told his story, from poor graffiti artist to valued artist, staging a fake arrest. Archive footage is included.
Key facts
- Keith Haring created chalk drawings in New York subway stations and on building walls in the early 1980s.
- He often worked quickly to avoid guards and sometimes was arrested and held for hours.
- Haring visited Italy multiple times: in Bologna for 'Arte di Frontiera' with Francesca Alinovi, in Milan for a 24-hour event at Elio Fiorucci's store, and his last work was in Pisa.
- In 1982, an American TV network first broadcast his story, from unknown graffiti artist to established artist, including a staged arrest.
- The article includes archive footage of that television report.
Entities
Artists
- Keith Haring
Institutions
- Artribune
- Convent of Sant'Antonio Abate
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Bologna
- Italy
- Milan
- Pisa