Keith Haring, America's Religious Artist at the Brooklyn Museum

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib

1980. Collection of Keith Haring Foundation.

Was Keith Haring a religious artist? That's the question which inspired a recent post by Tony Carnes at NYC Religion [link]. We say, "Absolutely," and the evidence for it is in the Brooklyn Museum's current large-scale exhibition exploring the early career of one of the best-known American artists of the twentieth century. Is Haring a religious artist because he made us think about religion? Does his 1980 illustration of the Jewish golden calf (above) prompt a dialogue about faith? What other reason should there be to be called a Religious Artist? "Keith Haring: 1978–1982" runs through July 8, 2012.