“There is nothing that makes me happier than making a child smile.” (Keith Haring, journal entry)
The current Keith Haring exhibition (Apr 27–Sep 8, 2024) at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis is not to be missed. Period, end of paragraph.
The show is a sumptuous immersion in all things Haring. From his early drawings on subway maps in the bowels of NYC to his work with community groups throughout the U.S.
The exhibition includes not only some of Haring's most iconic (link) (link) pieces including some large scale work (link) but also archival materials. It also includes sketchbooks and video footage of Haring at work (link) There are even Haring-designed chairs for children crafted in the form of his signature stick people.
On your way into the show you’ll find a plexiglass rack of pamphlets about the show offered in four languages. The English version was out during my visit.
Isn’t it all about the kids?
Haring's devotion to working with children through workshops and public art projects was on display throughout the show. He was all about the kids and encouraging their creativity. He drew public murals in collaboration with children and gave drawing workshops in schools and museums throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Two very polite WAC gallery attendants listened calmly to my disappointment and protests over the missing pamphlet.They told me the pamphlet (colored bond paper, four pages, center fold with two staples) was “on order.”
I asked how hard it could be to run off a few copies, really. The attendant's response? “Well, after all, it’s really just for kids.”
To which I responded, “Isn’t that worse?”
In keith haring’s own words
In 1986 Haring wrote, “Children know something that most people have forgotten. Children possess a fascination with their everyday existence that is very special and would be very helpful to adults if they could learn to understand and respect it.”
Efforts to reach the Walker for comment about my experience were unsuccessful at the time of publishing.
Go see the show anyway.