I was excited when I heard about the Keith Haring exhibit which will be at Walker Art Center through this summer, and put the opening day panel event on our calendar right away. It celebrates 40 years ago that Keith Haring was here for the Walker Art Center ARTFEST in 1984. His style captured me then and continues to speak to me now. Our daughter also loves his style… and even wore a t-shirt he designed for the NYC Guggenheim Museum in 1993 for her high school graduation photos.
I found a picture book that his mother wrote about him in the gift shop which told me so much about him… he just kept drawing since he was a child. He was excited when people bought his art because it meant that he could keep drawing and painting.
Keith Haring became famous for his NYC subway drawings, which he had to create quickly to avoid being arrested. It reflected his belief that art is for everyone.
I remember from his mother’s book about him that when he became famous and made guest appearances he always insisted that he be given a public space to do a mural… because art should be accessible to everyone, not just those who have the money to buy or collect art or visit art galleries and museums. He was extremely prolific from 1978-1990, and died from AIDS in 1990 when he was only 31.
He established the Keith Haring Foundation to continue his legacy of concern for children. “The Foundation concentrates its giving in two areas: the support of organizations which enrich the lives of underprivileged children and the support of organizations which engage in education, prevention, and care with respect to AIDS and HIV infection.”
“Forty years after he came to prominence, Haring’s art continues to garner worldwide recognition, breaking down barriers and spreading joy, while taking on complex issues that remain crucial today, from environmentalism, capitalism and the proliferation of new technologies to religion, sexuality and race.“
Don’t miss this outstanding exhibit at Walker Art Center, April 27-September 8, 2024.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.com
