If somebody came along and doodled on your Ferrari or BMW, you’d probably get pretty mad. But that might change, if it were the work of iconic artist Keith Haring. There is actually a small group of high-end cars that feature his stylish touch.
Haring, who rose to prominence in the 1980s with his accessible designs, used automobiles as canvases during residencies at pop culture events the Montreux Jazz Festival and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Though he typically explored political and social issues through his art, Haring was inspired by the speed and lust for life he experienced at these events. Haring’s painted cars were such a hit that he recreated the unconventional works for the Fast Art Gallery in New Jersey and Gallery Hans Mayer in Dusseldorf.
Now, Haring’s cars are set to be exhibited at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. “We had such a positive response after displaying his Land Rover [above] in our lobby that we knew we had to share the rest of his art cars with our patrons,” said Terry Karges, executive director of the museum.
The vehicles on display include a 1962 SCAF/Mortarini Mini Ferrari 330 P-2; 1963 Buick Special; 1971 Land Rover Series III 109 Station Wagon; 1987 Honda CBR1000F Hurricane motorcycle; and 1991 BMW Z1. “This new exhibit is a prime example of the Petersen’s mission to merge the worlds of art and automobiles,” Karges said.
Opening Dec. 15, The Unconventional Canvases of Keith Haring will be on display at the Petersen until June 4, 2017. You can learn more information or purchase tickets here. See more of his unique work below.
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