Chronicle: Imako Tanaka – Hiroshima Keith Haring saw, Part 7
May 2, 2025
The survey conducted this time concluded the main reason Haring’s mural production was not realized was that he passed away less than two years after his visit to Hiroshima. On view until May 18 at the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection, the exhibition traces how this came about in detail, featuring the works he created for people he met in Hiroshima as well as photographs taken in various locations.
Then, we also had an opportunity to present the results of this survey in Hiroshima. The presentation took place at an event titled Hiroshima Keith Haring Saw, held as part of preliminary planning for the Sekohei Museum of Art, in the former Hiroshima Branch of the Bank of Japan, an A-bombed building. This event, held from July 21 to 25, 2024, showcased panels and videos related to Haring’s visit to Hiroshima. At the same time, we distributed to young visitors, free copies of the children’s workbook we published called Drawing Peace with Keith Haring. We also held a workshop where children could experience creating artworks similar to those Haring made with children in New York. Many people said to us, “If only a mural had been created in Hiroshima,” and “Now a mural could be created.”
Exhibiting the results of the survey in central Hiroshima and a place of deep historical significance would never have been possible through our efforts alone. Each time we visited Hiroshima, we met wonderful people. Without walking through Hiroshima, enjoying its local food, engaging with people’s thoughts, and having repeated conversations, this exhibition could never have been realized. (Chief curator of the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection in Yamanashi Prefecture)
(Originally published on May 2, 2025)
Then, we also had an opportunity to present the results of this survey in Hiroshima. The presentation took place at an event titled Hiroshima Keith Haring Saw, held as part of preliminary planning for the Sekohei Museum of Art, in the former Hiroshima Branch of the Bank of Japan, an A-bombed building. This event, held from July 21 to 25, 2024, showcased panels and videos related to Haring’s visit to Hiroshima. At the same time, we distributed to young visitors, free copies of the children’s workbook we published called Drawing Peace with Keith Haring. We also held a workshop where children could experience creating artworks similar to those Haring made with children in New York. Many people said to us, “If only a mural had been created in Hiroshima,” and “Now a mural could be created.”
Exhibiting the results of the survey in central Hiroshima and a place of deep historical significance would never have been possible through our efforts alone. Each time we visited Hiroshima, we met wonderful people. Without walking through Hiroshima, enjoying its local food, engaging with people’s thoughts, and having repeated conversations, this exhibition could never have been realized. (Chief curator of the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection in Yamanashi Prefecture)
(Originally published on May 2, 2025)
