The large-scale retrospective of pop art master Keith Haring, "The Political Line," is running until August 18th at the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris and Le CENTQUATRE. The exhibition focuses on the political elements embedded in Haring's work, showcasing approximately 250 pieces, including works painted on subway trains. The works explore a variety of social issues, including South African apartheid, the threat of nuclear war, environmental destruction, discrimination against gays, and AIDS. Keith Haring was born in Pennsylvania, USA, in 1958. He moved to New York in 1978 and began his "Subway Drawings" in the 1980s, creating chalk sketches on black panels used for hanging subway posters. In 1982, he held his first solo exhibition with the support of the owner of the gallery where he worked. In the same year, he expanded his activities, attracting attention when his work was exhibited alongside Andy Warhol and others at the German contemporary art exhibition Documenta 7. In 1986, he opened "Pop Shop," selling items featuring his own work. He also operated a Tokyo store from 1988 to 1989. The New York store closed in 2005, but the online store continues to operate.
Haring was diagnosed with HIV in 1988. He subsequently became actively involved in HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness campaigns through art, but passed away in 1990 at the young age of 31.
In Japan, in 2010, Itochu Fashion System Co., Ltd. signed an agency agreement with Artester, the US company that manages the license for the "Keith Haring" brand, and began selling licensed products from the brand in Japan.
【Exhibition Information】
The Political Line
Dates: April 19th to August 18th, 2013
Venue: Musée d'art moderne de la Ville de Paris (Museum of Modern Art, City of Paris)
Address: 11, avenue du President Wilson - 75116 Paris
Opening days: Thursday to Saturday
Opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (until 22:00 on Thursdays)
Admission fee: 11 euros
Venue: Le CENTQUATRE
Address: 5, rue Curial - 75019 Paris
Opening days: Thursday to Sunday
Opening hours: 15:00 to 19:00
Admission fee: 8 euros
