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The 80s Artist

By guruscottyMay 29, 2019June 27th, 2019No Comments

Untitled, above, 1981; enamel on fiberboard; 48 by 48 inches © Keith Haring Foundation

The Arlington Museum of Art and new executive director Aldo Fritz should have a hit on their hands with “Keith Haring: Against All Odds,” opening June 21. This exhibit consists of more than 50 works from the last decade of the street artist’s life, including pieces from his first gallery show and the last work he created before his death due to complications from AIDS in 1990 at age 31. Throughout his life, Haring was inspired by everyone from Walt Disney to Jean Dubuffet, Christo and Andy Warhol. His peak popularity came in the mid-’80s, although he also was criticized for becoming too commercial. The AMA show displays his signature graphic flair, but it also highlights the artist’s takes on social issues such as poverty, violence and racism. The exhibit runs through Sept.15 at 201 W. Main St., 817-275-4600, arlingtonmuseum.org.

Elvis Presley, 1981; ink on commercially printed offset lithographic poster;
61/8 by 381/4 inches
© Keith Haring Foundation

THE DETAILS

The exhibit opens June 21 and runs through Sept.15 at 201 W. Main St., 817-275-4600, arlingtonmuseum.org.