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We recently discussed what single work of art best represents the values of Engaging Empathy, and Heather chose Two-Headed Figure by Keith Haring. Large, bright red, and shiny, Two-Headed Figure resides on Walker Landing at Crystal Bridges, surrounded by bistro tables and near the children’s activity area. In the Arkansas Times, former Crystal Bridges President Don Bacigalupi described the work as “two of his [Haring’s] signature creatures, here as dual heads on a singular body, leaning over their respective shoulders to engage one another in dialogue. It’s pure delight and whimsy with an invitation to join the conversation.” The art and its placement are welcoming and playful, honoring Haring’s focus on accessible art for everyone, and we especially love how it symbolizes an essential element of an empathic community: we must acknowledge our connection and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Today we honor Keith Haring for World AIDS Day 2019. Walker Museum’s “The Political Provocations of Keith Haring” notes Haring’s activism on AIDS inaction, apartheid, nuclear proliferation, substance abuse, and child well-being throughout his career. The 1980s are noted for devastating government inaction on AIDS. The short film When AIDS Was Funny illustrates this passivity by interspersing photo stills and audio of White House press conferences - where questions about AIDS are dismissed or met with jokes - with AIDS statistics from 1982 through 1985, the first time President Ronald Reagan publicly mentioned AIDS. It was in this atmosphere that Haring collaborated with ACT-UP, National Coming Out Day, and Day Without Art/World AIDS Day to raise AIDS awareness and promote safe sex. Although he was not diagnosed with AIDS until 1988, Haring’s Untitled (Self-Portrait) (1985) shows Haring’s face covered in the red spots common to AIDS patients; Haring stated: “I was living as if it was a reality.” After his diagnosis, Haring created Silence=Death (1989), and Ignorance=Fear (1989) to promote dialogue, education, and action to address the AIDS crisis.

Keith Haring died in 1990. Today we honor his legacy of activism and inclusiveness and celebrate his spirit of joy and resiliency.

--Heather & Julie