Tag Archives: World AIDS Day

Keith Haring’s Mural a Constant Reminder of the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

Haring's mural at Art Center. Photo: Steven A. Heller / Art Center College of Design

Today is World AIDS Day, an opportunity for people across the globe to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to remember those who have died from the epidemic.

In 1989, artist and social activist Keith Haring visited Art Center to paint an interior mural which still hangs at Hillside Campus.

Painted over the course of two days and created in conjunction with the second annual World AIDS Day (then called AIDS Awareness Day) and as part of the first ever Day Without Art, the mural stands as a permanent memorial to members of the art community who have died of AIDS and serves as a symbol of hope and compassion.

“When AIDS became a reality in terms of my life, it started becoming a subject in my paintings,” Haring was quoted in a Los Angeles Times article about the painting of the mural. “The more it affected my life the more it affected my work.”

Haring passed away two months later from AIDS-related complications.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the first reported case of AIDS in the United States. Since 1981 more than 25 million people globally have died from AIDS and more than 33 million individuals today are living with HIV/AIDS.

Want to get involved? Learn the basics of HIV/AIDS and take action!

Haring Tribute Tonight

Don’t miss tonight’s Keith Haring tribute reception at 6 pm at Art Center’s James Lemont Fogg Memorial Library at Hillside Campus.

In 1989, prolific artist and social activist Keith Haring visited Art Center to paint an interior mural which still hangs at Hillside Campus. Painted over the course of two days, the mural was intended to be a “permanent memorial to members of the art community who have died of AIDS, and also serve as a symbol of hope and compassion.” Haring passed away two months later from AIDS-related complications.

In recognition of Haring’s lasting contribution to the College, and in celebration of World AIDS Day, faculty member Ramone Muñoz asked students to take visual themes from the mural and use them in creating educational about safe sex and the tragic loss of life due to this disease. The posters will be exhibited on campus beginning the week of Nov. 30 with a reception honoring Haring and celebrating World AIDS Day.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, read the press release or call 626.396.2338.

Celebrating World AIDS Day with a Tribute to Keith Haring

In 1989, prolific artist and social activist Keith Haring visited Art Center to paint an interior mural which still hangs at Hillside Campus. Painted over the course of two days, the mural was intended to be a “permanent memorial to members of the art community who have died of AIDS, and also serve as a symbol of hope and compassion.” Haring passed away two months later from AIDS-related complications.

In recognition of Haring’s lasting contribution to the College, and in celebration of World AIDS Day, faculty member Ramone Muñoz asked students to take visual themes from the mural and use them in creating educational about safe sex and the tragic loss of life due to this disease. The posters will be exhibited on campus beginning the week of Nov. 30 with a reception honoring Haring and celebrating World AIDS Day.

The Haring tribute reception will take place Monday, Nov. 30 at 6 pm at the James Lemont Fogg Memorial Library at Hillside Campus. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, read the press release or call 626.396.2338.