Kenny Scharf's Latest Work Dedicated to Ally Haring Revealed: 'Kenny Scharf & Keith Haring: K!K!' First Posthumous Duo Exhibition Opens at Nakamura Keith Haring Museum on June 6!

Nakamura Keith Haring Museum (Hokuto City, Yamanashi) will hold the exhibition 'Kenny Scharf & Keith Haring: K!K!' from Saturday, June 6, 2026, to Sunday, May 16, 2027, featuring Kenny Scharf (1958–) and Keith Haring (1958–1990).

Born in the same year and having moved to New York in 1978, Scharf and Haring met at the School of Visual Arts (SVA). They became iconic figures in the 'East Village art scene' that shone uniquely in 1980s New York.

As the first duo exhibition since Haring's passing, this show presents a new perspective on their individual works while introducing their relationship through collaborative projects and interconnected activities. Furthermore, the museum will premiere a new commission—a painting by Scharf dedicated to his ally Haring—which will be newly added to the museum's collection. Over 35 years after Haring's death, this exhibition depicts their deep friendship.

Additionally, Kenny Scharf's solo exhibition 'ShimiShimiKao!' will be held simultaneously at NANZUKA UNDERGROUND (Shibuya, Tokyo) from Saturday, May 30, 2026, to Saturday, June 27, 2026. These two venues provide a precious chance to engage with Scharf's works in Japan.

Highlights and New Commission To commemorate this exhibition, Scharf's latest commissioned work (title TBD) will be newly acquired by the museum. Debuting at this exhibition, the work evokes Haring's iconic 'Radiant Baby.' Scharf's latest creation celebrates the universality of Haring's symbolic forms while birthing a new life form through Scharf's characteristic rich color sense and narrative details. The title will be announced at the preview, where the artist will sign the back of the canvas.

Exhibition Structure The exhibition consists of three parts showcasing their activities and relationship:

1. **Keith Haring**: Starting with the early video work 'Painting Myself into a Corner,' symbolizing their first meeting. Valuable early works from the museum collection will be shown alongside late-career 'Blueprint Drawings,' introducing the consistent expression and philosophy of Haring's life. 2. **Kenny Scharf and Keith Haring**: The core section of the exhibition, focusing on joint projects and their mutual artistic influence. 3. **Kenny Scharf**: Presenting the world of Scharf, who continues to be active, and his artistic evolution following Haring's death.