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Untitled

Artist/Maker (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
On view
Copyright© The Keith Haring FoundationMore Information
In 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.
Exhibition History
The Body, The Host: HIV / AIDS and Christianity
  • Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (January 20, 2024 - December 15, 2024 )
Collections
  • Modern & Contemporary
  • On View