Keith Haring: A Sculpture Show and Exhibition

Untitled (Three Dancing Figures), one of eleven Keith Haring sculptures that will be displayed on the front lawn of the Museum.

Ten Keith Haring sculptures will be on display on the front lawn of the Museum of Science and Industry, Saturday, May 8 through September 30, 1999. On view for the first time in Chicago, this monumental sculpture show will be accompanied by an interior exhibition that provides an overview of the "science" of making a Keith Haring sculpture. Keith Haring: From Sketch to Sculpture is sponsored by the Museum of Science and Industry and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs along with the Keith Haring Foundation Inc.

Chicagoans and visitors to the Museum of Science and Industry will have the opportunity to view Haring’s brightly painted steel and aluminum works of art that have already delighted audiences in New York City, San Francisco, and West Hollywood, CA. Moreover, Museum visitors will experience a unique exhibition that helps explain the relationship between science, engineering and the creation of art.

"This is a one-of-a-kind exhibition and an extraordinary opportunity for the Museum," stated David Mosena, president, Museum of Science and Industry. "To be able to see the sculptures and understand the fabrication process from A to Z is a terrific opportunity for Museum visitors to further enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the artwork."

"We are delighted to co-sponsor the Keith Haring exhibit, which continues a proud tradition of bringing exciting, interesting public art exhibitions to Chicago," said Lois Weisberg, Chicago Commissioner of Cultural Affairs. "It features a brilliant artist with deep ties to Chicago and furthers the city’s goal of making art accessible to the widest possible audience."

As a backdrop for the interior portion of the exhibit, Chicago school students painted a replica of the mural Keith Haring and Chicago school students painted 10 years ago.

The specific works on display reflect the range of Haring’s work with abstract figures and shapes. The sculptures, displayed on the Museum’s new front lawn along 57th Drive, perpetuate Haring’s mission to advance the general public’s appreciation of art. Inside the Museum of Science and Industry is a step-by-step layout of the process of making one of these works of art.

"While keeping with the Museum’s effort to promote the role of science in all aspects of society, Keith Haring: From Sketch to Sculpture also represents the Museum’s desire to bring to Chicago the works of a world-renowned artist," added Mosena.

Keith Haring (1958-1990) came to prominence in the early 1980s New York art world through the appropriation of subway advertising boards as his canvas. Haring’s work originated as a public art form and was intended to be accessible through its universally identifiable imagery and its use of public spaces. Haring’s media-friendly and easily recognizable images, such as his radiant child, barking dog and flying saucer, rapidly made their way from the subway to the street and into leading galleries and museums by the mid-1980s.

Haring remained focused on public art works throughout his life and was able to complete more than 50 mural and sculpture projects worldwide between 1982-1989. Haring died of AIDS-related illnesses in 1990 at the age of 31, by which time he had earned the respect of a broad international audience from his roles both as an artist and a social activist.