Art Attack on AIDS 1988

Keith Haring made this work, Art Attack on AIDS, in 1988. It’s silkscreen on wood, and it’s exemplary of his commitment to public art with a social message. During the 1980s in the United States, the AIDS epidemic was a crisis compounded by social stigma and government inaction. Here, Haring uses his signature visual vocabulary of bold lines and simplified figures to address the issue head-on. Two figures are bound together by thick bands, perhaps symbolizing the transmission of the virus. Haring’s art emerged from the streets of New York, particularly the graffiti subculture. His work often confronted social issues, and he used his art as a platform for activism. Diagnosed with AIDS himself, Haring became a vocal advocate for awareness and safe sex practices. As historians, we recognize the importance of understanding the social and political context in which art is made. Examining sources like newspaper archives, public health reports, and personal accounts from the time, we can appreciate how Haring’s art challenged prevailing attitudes. His work serves as a reminder of the power of art to raise awareness.