KEITH HARING

(1958-1990)

Luna Luna Drawings

Footnotes

Provenance
Collection of Andre Heller, Vienna.
Galerie Artziwna, Vienna.
Acquired from the above by the present owner in 2017.

Literature
A. Heller, Luna Luna, London & New York, 2023 (illustrated p. 175).

Keith Haring's art is instantly recognizable for its bold, graphic motifs and vibrant use of color. His most iconic symbols include barking dogs, radiant babies, and dancing figures, all outlined with thick black lines that create a sense of movement and energy. Haring's dancing figures are emblematic of his joyful, inclusive vision; they're often depicted in groups, capturing a sense of collective spirit and celebration. For Haring, dance was a metaphor for freedom and human expression, representing the bonds that connect people in a shared rhythm. Inspired by the breakdancing and hip-hop culture around him, Haring's animated poses and dynamic lines invite viewers to feel the beat of urban life and celebrate the shared energy that unites us all. His characters, stripped of specific racial or gender markers, highlight universal themes like community, unity, and resistance and they can all be found in the present Luna Luna drawings from 1986, which served as a blueprint for the vibrant and larger-than-life banners of the Luna Luna fair.

The world's first art-themed amusement park, Luna Luna was originally envisioned by Austrian artist André Heller, who believed that "art should come in unconventional guises and be brought to those who might not ordinarily seek it out in more predictable settings." Debuting in Hamburg, Germany in 1987 and operating for just a few short months, the unique park transformed traditional amusement rides into immersive art installations. It was a groundbreaking meeting point for prominent art movements, from Abstract Expressionism and Art Brut to Dada, Fluxus, Neo-Expressionism, Nouveau Réalisme, Pop Art, Surrealism, and Viennese Actionism. With contributions from renowned artists such as Sonia Delaunay, Salvador Dalí, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, David Hockney, Rebecca Horn, Roy Lichtenstein, and many others, Luna Luna served as a vivid fusion of artistic styles and genres.

After decades forgotten in shipping containers in the Texan desert, the fair was rediscovered. With the involvement of Drake, his company DreamCrew, and Live Nation, Luna Luna was revived and brought to Los Angeles earlier this year where it was celebrated by the art cognoscenti and broader public alike, sparking a deep sense of cultural nostalgia. Keith Haring's contributions to Luna Luna are central to its legacy. Haring created a carousel adorned with bold lines and neon colors, integrating his signature dancing figures and forms and a set of large banners to which the present drawings are the blueprints. These works, as well as the large-scale panels at the fair, capture Haring's lifelong goal of making art inclusive, a philosophy at the core of his practice. His carousel was an artwork that was for the 'everyman', a symbol of joy and play that is without prejudice. In this way, his drawings depict the panoply of characters to whom Haring appeals.

Influenced by street art and graffiti, Keith Haring's motifs often served as both exuberant commentary and powerful statements on social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, the AIDS crisis, and anti-establishment ideals. Emerging in the 1980s, part of a New York New Wave that included Jean-Michel Basquiat, his work became synonymous with the vibrant, street-art-infused energy of Manhattan's Downtown scene. Despite his untimely death in 1990, Haring's influence has only grown, securing him a place in the high echelons of the art world and market. His consistently high prices at auction, reflect both the high demand and the lasting impact of his thematic explorations of love, unity, and social justice.

On 20 November 2024, Luna Luna will open its doors in New York, the second stop of what may become a global tour, fulfilling André Heller's intent to make ensure it was accessible to as wide a group of art enthusiasts as possible. Ultimately, Luna Luna stands as both a nostalgic return to the past and a forward-looking celebration of the intersections between art and public life. Haring's contributions remain a highlight of the park, illustrating his broader impact on art history, pop culture, and the art market, where his works remain coveted. This new chapter for Luna Luna underscores both Haring's vision but also his lasting significance as an artist whose work spans generations and continues to inspire. The present drawings offer a chance to acquire a quintessential piece of art history, filled with vibrant energetic scenes of all of Harings most beloved and coveted characters.