By Gordon David Durich
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/12/23 – Keith Haring is synonymous with contemporary pop artists Andy Warhol and Jean Michel Basquiat. In the new exhibit at The Broad in downtown Los Angeles until Oct. 8, Haring’s oeuvre is vigorously represented by works. This Philadelphia-born artist circa 1980s at his peak was a pioneer in the exciting creative force in New York City. His early chalk drawings on subway walls and urban graffiti art with distinctive quirky designs resonated with art lovers from Manhattan to Moorpark, CA where my artist friend Annee lives, and who accompanied me on this trip to “Haringland.”
What really stands out in The Broad exhibit is s massive giant pink penis inscribed with distinctive Haring doodles. But it is virtually impossible to select one piece of the show that is “better” than another. Some monochromatic, some super colorful. Take the huge work on a wall that dwarfs the viewer, and like many of the man’s prolific works is untitled. Pieces involving penises, sometimes erect, and crosses in sweeping masterpieces that make silent but powerful statements about the AIDS epidemic, and religion and other issues of the time, and are timeless.
The collection of memorabilia circa 1984 blew my mind such as the Warholesque Polaroid pictures of Haring with Grace Jones, Madonna and Andy. Buttons and an invitation on a handkerchief to the Paradise Garage was especially creative and bloody fun. Haring even drew with felt-tip markers on a jacket, badges / buttons.
On a personal level, Haring has punctuated my own world via a vase my wife bought me.
He created and donated the famous Best Buddies logo. This logo incorporates a colorful creation that represents one-to-one affection and acceptance sentiment especially relevant this month being Pride Month.
Admission is free to The Broad; however, special exhibits such as this are $22 for adults, students 18+ with valid student ID are $15, children 17 and under are free. Haring tickets do not include access to events that require separate reservations or Yoyoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room.
www.TheBroad.org.