MOPOP is honored to present Keith Haring: A Radiant Legacy, a special exhibition offering an in-depth celebration of the iconic artist’s life, work, and activism from NYC to Seattle through 240+ Haring artworks and objects, a selection from Haring’s personal art collection, 20 objects from Angel Ortiz (LAII), and a community youth partnership.
This limited-run exhibition will offer museum visitors an immersive celebration of the iconic artist’s life, work, and activism through:
- 240+ Keith Haring artworks and objects
- Curated selections from Haring’s personal 1980s art collection
- 20 objects from artistic collaborator Angel Ortiz (LAII)
- Examination of Haring’s friendships and collaborations with Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Madonna, Grace Jones, and more
- A community youth partnership led by MOPOP’s Youth Advisory Board
Keith Haring (1958-1990) was arguably the most accomplished and prominent American artist of the 1980s. During the course of his brief ten-year career, Haring rewrote the rulebook for contemporary art, integrating the seemingly discrete arenas of New York City’s gritty downtown counterculture and uptown art aristocracy.
Haring’s style was instantly recognizable. Bold lines, pictographic symbols, and vibrant colors abounded in every piece he made.
Haring’s work transcended commodification by reflecting the artist’s fervent activism and democratic beliefs. An advocate for nuclear de-escalation, civil rights, child welfare, and HIV-AIDS awareness, Haring spent his career making posters, public art, and charitable commissions in support of these vital causes.
Haring died from AIDS-related complications at only thirty-one years old. Keith Haring: A Radiant Legacy focuses on the indelible impact of Haring’s exuberant life, which, through his incomparable body of work, continues to inspire today.
One source exhibition provided by Pan Art Connections.
Consulting Curator: Dr. Katharine J. Wright.
