In 2019, the Tate Liverpool hosted a major retrospective of Keith Haring's work, marking the first exhibition of his work in the UK in over 20 years. The exhibition brought together over 85 works by Haring, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings, and showcased the full range of his artistic output.
The exhibition was organized thematically, with different sections dedicated to Haring's early graffiti work, his collaborations with other artists and musicians, and his political and social commentary pieces. The exhibition also included a number of large-scale installations, including Haring's iconic "Radiant Baby" mural, which was recreated in the exhibition space.
One of the highlights of the exhibition was a section dedicated to Haring's political and social commentary pieces. This section included works that addressed issues such as nuclear disarmament, environmentalism, and racism, as well as his famous "Crack is Wack" mural, which was created in response to the crack cocaine epidemic that was sweeping through New York City in the 1980s.
Another important section of the exhibition was dedicated to Haring's collaborations with other artists and musicians. This section featured works that Haring created with artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and William S. Burroughs, as well as collaborations with musicians such as Grace Jones and the Fat Boys.
The exhibition was attended by a range of famous people, including artists, musicians, and actors. One of the most notable attendees was the musician and activist Billy Bragg, who gave a talk at the Tate Liverpool about Haring's legacy and influence. Other attendees included the actor Russell Tovey, who has been a vocal advocate for Haring's work, and the musician and artist Kim Gordon, who has cited Haring as a major influence on her own work.
The exhibition was curated by Tamar Hemmes, who worked closely with the Keith Haring Foundation to bring together a comprehensive selection of works that represented the full range of Haring's artistic output. The exhibition was a major success, attracting over 300,000 visitors during its six-month run, and helping to cement Haring's reputation as one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century.
Some of Haring's most famous works were included in the exhibition, including his "Radiant Baby" series, which features a crawling baby with lines emanating from its body, symbolizing energy and life force. Another famous work that was included in the exhibition was "Untitled (Three Dancing Figures)", a painting from 1989 that features three brightly colored figures in a dynamic and playful pose.
Overall, the Tate Liverpool's retrospective of Keith Haring's work was a fitting tribute to an artist whose work continues to inspire and captivate people around the world. The exhibition highlighted the breadth and depth of Haring's artistic output, and showcased his commitment to using art as a tool for social and political change. Through his bold and colorful imagery, Haring challenged viewers to think deeply about the issues that he was addressing in his work, and he inspired a generation of artists and activists to use their own work as a means of effecting positive change in the world.