Untitled
Artist/Maker
Keith Haring
(American, 1958–1990)
Date1986
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsImage/Sheet: 3 9/16 × 5 1/2 in. (9 × 14 cm)
Credit LineGift of Alex Gildzen
Object number2015.25.10
Status
Not on viewIn his youth Haring attended Christian summer camp, where he first recognized his homosexuality. In his work, we find the unlikely pairing of queer desire and Christian imagery—ranging from Saint Sebastian, to angels, Moses, and the Ten Commandments. Like the two figures on this small autograph card, figures with X’s on their chests recur in many of Haring’s works. Scholars of Haring have interpreted this symbol as a mark of otherness—whether referring to queerness, HIV-positive status, or other designations with which Haring may have identified.
ProvenanceHelen Kovach Gildzen [1921-2016]; Alex Gildzen, Santa Fe, NM; by gift 2015 to Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OHExhibition History
The Body, The Host: HIV / AIDS and Christianity
- Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (January 20, 2024 - December 15, 2024 )
Collections
- Modern & Contemporary
The AMAM continually researches its collection and updates its records with new findings.
We welcome additional information and suggestions for improvement. Please email us at AMAMcurator@oberlin.edu.
We welcome additional information and suggestions for improvement. Please email us at AMAMcurator@oberlin.edu.
postmarked July 4, 1958
postmarked February 24, 1957