Tuttomondo the Story of Keith Haring’s Mural in Pisa

In the heart of Pisa is Tuttomondo a mural by Keith Haring. Completed in 1989 it was painted on the exterior wall of the Church of Sant’Antonio. It was one of the last major works by the artist before his passing in 1990.

The Meaning Behind Tuttomondo

Tuttomondo, translates to “All the World”. It features Haring’s signature bold lines and stylised figures. All interacting in a blend that represents the harmony of humanity. It’s a “modern allegorical painting with a lot of stories” said Haring. “But it’s stories about the world now, as I see it”.

A Permanent Masterpiece

Rich in imagery each element of the mural has a narrative and a story behind it. Haring was creating a commentary on the World and society. Initially untitled this was how he normally preferred his works to be. Preferring that people were able to take their own meaning from them. “I really want people to interpret it and see it with an open mind” he explained in an interview.

Subway Graffiti

Haring’s own artistic roots trace back to early 1980’s New York. There he became a key part of the subway graffiti scene. Starting to draw characters and icons on advertising hoardings which had been covered over with black paper. Initially using white chalk he would create his simple yet impactful images at speed so as not to be caught. Soon his work would become a common sight.

From Subway to Stardom

His style, characterised by bold lines, vibrant colours and simplified figures would soon become instantly recognisable. His artworks would often feature recurring motifs like a baby and a barking dog. They would appear so often that he would later describe them as his logos. “They’re sort of, I guess, primary symbols for the whole human experience” he said. “Our life on Earth, babies and animals”.

Tuttomondo’s Place in Haring’s Legacy

Tragically, Tuttomondo was one of Haring’s last major works before his death in 1990. Speaking at the time he said how he loved to visit Europe having visited a number of times before. Taking the opportunity to paint murals and to meet up with friends. Italy was a place he’d painted in once before in 1983. Then he did a piece on a shop in Milan, though that had long since gone.

The Enduring Impact of Tuttomondo

Today the mural is a tourist attraction. Vibrant and seemingly as fresh as the day it was painted, it’s become an important landmark in the city. Such is the legacy of Keith Haring that it continues to draw visitors from around the World. It’s a 20th century Pop Art mural on the side of a medieval convent wall. Quite the contrast.

Tuttomondo was visited during September 2024. It was painted in 1989 and is located on the rear wall of the Sant’Antonio Abate church in Pisa. The address is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 18, 56125 Pisa, Italy.