Keith Haring's Early Subway Art Showcased in East Village Exhibition

The Brant Foundation Art Study Center hosts a retrospective of the iconic artist's formative years from 1980 to 1983.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:45am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new exhibition at the Brant Foundation Art Study Center in New York City's East Village spotlights the early works of renowned artist Keith Haring, including his famous subway chalk drawings created between 1980 and 1985. The show focuses on Haring's formative years from 1980 to 1983, featuring his signature style of bold, graphic scenes that he would quickly transform empty subway ad spaces into during the daytime.

Why it matters

Haring's subway drawings were a defining part of the New York City art scene in the early 1980s, bringing his accessible and socially conscious style to the masses. This exhibition provides insight into the development of Haring's iconic visual language and his mission to make art available to everyone.

The details

The exhibition includes several of Haring's subway chalk drawings, as well as other early works on wood, tarps, and paper. Visitors can trace the evolution of his style, from a piece he created in 1978 before moving to New York City to the signature motifs that defined his later career, such as the radiant baby, barking dog, and dancing figures. The show is housed in a unique setting - a former Con Edison substation on East 6th Street in the East Village.

  • The exhibition runs through May 31, 2026.
  • Haring created over 5,000 subway chalk drawings between 1980 and 1985.

The players

Keith Haring

An iconic American artist known for his bold, graphic style and socially conscious themes. He created over 5,000 subway chalk drawings in New York City between 1980 and 1985.

Sabrina Marsalisi

The director of education at the Brant Foundation Art Study Center, which is hosting the exhibition of Haring's early works.

Tony Shafrazi

A gallery owner who helped launch Haring's career.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

A friend and fellow artist of Haring's who created a portrait of him that is featured in the exhibition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He would make these within minutes, he would always start off with a border first, and then create the scene within it.”

— Sabrina Marsalisi, Director of Education, Brant Foundation Art Study Center (ny1.com)

“I think we'd like to give insight to his early years, some of the works you may have not seen before and of course sticking true with that theme that art is meant for everybody as an educational center it's really important for us to pair our mission with Keith's and just educate the public about contemporary art.”

— Sabrina Marsalisi, Director of Education, Brant Foundation Art Study Center (ny1.com)

What’s next

The exhibition at the Brant Foundation Art Study Center in the East Village will run through May 31, 2026.

The takeaway

This exhibition provides a unique opportunity to explore the early development of Keith Haring's iconic visual style and his mission to make art accessible to the public, as seen through his famous subway chalk drawings and other formative works from the 1980s.