Icons (1990) by Keith HaringNakamura Keith Haring Collection
Even if you’re unfamiliar with the name Keith Haring, you will almost certainly recognize his work. A legendary street artist from the New York scene of the 1980s, his work is famed for its vibrancy and energy, often featuring moving or dancing figures, but all underpinned by potent socio-political motivation.
Museumtheater (2017)Original Source: Nakamura Keith Haring Collection
The Nakamura Keith Haring Collection, surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the Yatsugatake Mountains, was first established in 2007 and is the only museum in the world to exclusively feature his works.
Documentary Photography by Keith HaringOriginal Source: Nakamura Keith Haring Collection
Scroll on to have a look around the museum from wherever you are, and learn how Keith Haring has been able to inspire so many since his untimely death at just 31 years old.
Tap to explore
Can you spot a colorful triangle?
Here we are within the museum. Click and drag to explore, and see if you can spot a particular triangle-shaped painting.
Untitled (1988) by Keith HaringNakamura Keith Haring Collection
'Untitled', 1988
This unusually shaped work from 1988 features the trademark bright colors and thick lines that define Haring’s work. The picture appears to feature a face made from dancing figures. Zoom in for a closer look.
Tap to explore
Can you find a dance-inspired masterpiece?
Next, see if you can find a huge black-and-white painting with a coiled figure, celebrating dance and movement.
Sweet Saturday Night (1985) by Keith HaringOriginal Source: Nakamura Keith Haring Collection
‘Sweet Saturday Night’, 1985
This work was created as set design and backdrop for Sweet Saturday Night — a series of dance performances at the Brooklyn Academy of Music which took place during Black History Month. The event celebrated 300 years of black street and social dance.
The piece came alive when Rory Mitchell, a dancer, took the stage with a breakdancing finale.
The Blueprint Drawings (1990) by Keith HaringOriginal Source: Nakamura Keith Haring Collection
‘The Blueprint Drawings’, 1980
Next, you'll be looking for one of his earliest works. Much of Haring’s work was influenced by his early love of comic strips. This work is a classic example and formed a part of one of his earliest collections from 1980, known as The Blueprint Drawings.
Tap to explore
Where is one of Haring's earliest creations?
Can you spot the comic panels in the collection?
Icons (1990) by Keith HaringNakamura Keith Haring Collection
Who was Keith Haring?
Haring began his career drawing chalk murals on blank advertising spaces found in subways stations. Usually addressing political and social themes, especially gay rights and the AIDS epidemic, his work blazed a trail for other LGBTQ artists and quickly found him attention within the New York art community.
His work developed out of the pop art and graffiti found in New York street culture of the 1980s, often featuring spontaneous drawings of people, dogs and other characters. His pictures had a strong attitude, and Haring aimed to bridge the gap between the street and the gallery.
Documentary Photography (1988) by Akira KishidaNakamura Keith Haring Collection
Want to know more?
If you enjoyed this tour of Keith Haring’s work, then you can find out more about his life and art here.
