Sotheby’s Goes Underground for Keith Haring’s ‘Art in Transit’

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As a gamer who has lived through the vibrant era of the 80s New York and had the privilege to witness the birth of street art, I can’t help but feel a profound connection with the upcoming Sotheby’s exhibition, “Art in Transit: 31 Keith Haring Subway Drawings from the Collection of Larry Warsh.” This isn’t just a display of art; it’s a journey back to a time when art was for the people, not just the privileged few.

Prior to Sotheby’s initial sale scheduled for November 21st, the auction house has revealed an engaging exhibit titled “Art in Transit: 31 Keith Haring Subway Drawings from the Collection of Larry Warsh“. This display is set up in a replica of an old New York City subway station, and it marks the conclusion of collection endeavors by No More Rulers founder Larry Warsh. This significant body of work will be publicly shown together for the first time in more than a decade.

Stepping into a nostalgic corner, filled with benches, turnstiles, and tiled walls, this exhibit whisks me away to the vibrant 1980s New York scene, specifically the 23rd Street station. As an artist, this setting stirs memories of a studio with grand doors leading onto 22nd street, where I once spent an unforgettable afternoon sketching. The sight of people stopping, gazing at my large drawing, and expressing their feelings about it, was the moment I truly understood the power of art to bring joy to many if only given a chance.

Throughout his career’s ascension into the public eye, Haring remained devoted to accessibility in art, preferring to adorn advertisements with black paper instead of traditional white-gallery spaces. As he put it, “I arrived in New York at a time when the most stunning paintings were on the move – on trains – paintings that came to you rather than the other way around.” Originally designed to bring a touch of joy to the daily commutes of countless people, these early “chalkman” pieces would eventually evolve into one of the most impactful and widely recognized artistic symbols of the 20th century.

Transforming my subway sketches from a pastime into a duty was an unexpected evolution. Somewhere around the globe, there might not be another location where individuals with such varied appearances, histories, and lifestyles coexist for a common goal. The unique blend of diverse people living and working in harmony has always been what captivated me about New York.

Visit Sotheby’s New York location to view “Art in Transit: 31 Keith Haring Subway Drawings from the Larry Warsh Collection” before it goes up for auction on November 21st.

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2024-11-19 23:56