A Pisa 'happening' for Keith Haring
City marks 20th anniversary of artist's death
09 February, 18:00
(ANSA) - Pisa, February 9 - A 'happening' with break dancers,
artists, DJs, video projections, food and wine will be staged
here February 16 to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of
American artist Keith Haring.The event is being organised by the city to honor the artist whose last public work has his mural 'Tuttomondo', which he painted here in June 1989 on the rear wall of the convent of the Church of Sant'Antonio. City officials said aim of the multi-cultural happening was "to recreate the atmosphere of that incredible week in June 1989 when Haring created his work involving everyone who out of curiosity came to see what he was doing".
Aside from the street entertainment, the provincial auditorium will show a screening of Christina Calusen's acclaimed documentary 'The Universe of Keith Haring' and a number of shorts about Haring including 'Tuttomondo', 'Live Art' and 'Electronic Frescos'.
Organizers have asked anyone who took part in the creation of 'Tuttomondo' to stand below the mural on February 16 and tell their story about the event on camera.
Born in Pennsylvania, Haring found his inspiration from the graffiti art in New York City, where gained attention with his street art and subway chalk drawings .
He soon shot to fame with his distinctive cartoon-like figures, often with heads of animals or objects, which stood out for their colour, simplicity and energy.
Haring, who was a declared gay, died of an Aids-related illness in 1990 at the age of 31.
Before his death, he set up the the Keith Haring Foundation to raise funds for AIDS organizations and children's charities through exhibitions, publications and the licensing of his images.
photo: the 'Tuttomondo' mural in Pisa
