Haring Aid
By
November 30, 2008
Installation view, Keith Haring, The Ten Commandments, Deitch Long Island City
Though we hesitate to make a trend piece of a tragedy, this marks 20 years since the World Health Organization declared December 1 World AIDS Day, and since Keith Haring was diagnosed with AIDS. While sensitivity to AIDS-related issues has risen and fallen in the last two decades, Haring’s mixed media and public works, which combine design and street art in ways equally egalitarian and esotetic, are enduringly ubiquitous, thanks in large part to collector Jeffrey Deitch’s support.
In memorial, check out Deitch’s trio of Haring tribute: the artist’s Ten Commandments series, are on view at Deitch’s Long Island City space until December 21; while Gotham Scenic re-created a mural on Houston and Bowery for Haring’s 50th birthday, which is up through the end of the year. Then there’s a catalogue, based on a monograph Haring wanted to publish before his death, with a written contribution by Deitch.
In non Deitch-related news, making the independent film circuit is The Universe of Keith Haring (Arthouse Films). First-time filmmaker Christina Clausen features interviews, archival footage, audio, and art from Haring himself. Haring’s trademark “radiant baby” makes an appearance, as do friends and mentors Fab 5 Freddy, Grace Jones, Madonna, Yoko Ono, David LaChapelle, Madonna, Carlo McCormick, Tony Shafrazi, and Andy Warhol.
