Safe Sex! 1987

Editor: Here we have Keith Haring’s 1987 poster "Safe Sex!" It’s quite striking in its simplicity and boldness—feels very much like classic Pop Art, maybe a bit cheeky. What’s your take on this piece? Curator: Oh, Haring always makes me smile—his works just *pop*, don't they? It's almost childlike, yet incredibly direct. But this piece, more than most, really gets to the heart of what art can do: communicating a vital message, loudly and clearly. The cartoonish figure is, well, unambiguous in its meaning, and the overall aesthetic reflects Haring’s commitment to making art accessible to everyone, not just the gallery elite. I think there’s an underlying vulnerability, too, given that Haring himself succumbed to AIDS. Do you see that connection in the image? Editor: I do see that connection—now! The bright colors almost mask the gravity of the subject. Knowing Haring's personal history, this poster becomes even more poignant, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely! It is like a battle cry masked as a cheerful ditty. Imagine this poster plastered around New York City in the late 80s—a simple act of artivism with far-reaching impact. Sometimes, I think the simplest images are the most potent. What do you make of the... shall we say, 'direct' imagery? Editor: Initially, it felt a bit…graphic, but in this context, it's undeniably effective. There's no room for misunderstanding, and that's precisely the point. Thanks, I see how his personal life impacts our understanding of his message and purpose. Curator: Exactly! And understanding that context makes the work truly sing, doesn’t it? It's a testament to Haring's genius—he makes us think, and maybe blush, but most of all, he makes us *care.*