Workers this afternoon are apparently anchoring the Keith Haring "Self Portrait" sculpture into place outside 51 Astor Place. (They were also adding lights to the base.)
The circa-1989 sculpture arrived here on Dec. 2 ... and it had a rather temporary look with the barriers set up around it...
And we still haven't heard if the work will be a permanent part of the public plaza outside the Death Star.
Thanks to Ray LeMoine for the photo
Every time I walk past that thing, I can only think that someone is going to seriously injure him or herself walking into that foot. I have no particular complaint with the sculpture, but it's in the wrong spot -- or rather, that foot is in the right spot to whack someone. When it happens there'll be lots of jokes, but it won't be funny to the poor sap it happens to. I'll just try to make sure it isn't me.
ReplyDeleteI'd imagine it's permanent. They cut into the ground for it and everything. I hate that fucking building and plaza but at least this statue is very fitting.
ReplyDeleteHow to destroy an artist's legacy? Make sure corporate America embraces it or Hollywood make a movie about your life (not your work).
ReplyDeleteKeith Haring was not doing sculptures like this in 1989. In fact, I remember him from his chalk drawings in the subway at Astor place, in 1989. Only in his wildest dreams would he have imagined getting the cash comi$$ions, for something this corporate. It is hideous. If we are going to bring corporate art to Astor place, then The Koons Bunny at least shows some technique and talent.
ReplyDeleteIt'll look more like a 'real' Haring once it's all tagged up.
ReplyDelete'course the only problem is, there isn't anybody left around to do the tagging.
ReplyDeleteIt should be called "Selfie-Portrait" because that's what it looks like it's doing.
ReplyDelete- East Villager
Where's LA2 when you need him?
ReplyDeleteHey, am I crazy, or does that thing look like it's being mounted on some sort of a turntable thingy?
ReplyDeleteIt's from 1989: http://www.haring.com/!/genre/sculpture
ReplyDeleteThe show that's on at Pace Prints Chelsea at the moment is a better way to see some of his work I think.
http://www.paceprints.com/2014/keith-haring-1
As somebody who had sex with Keith haring multiple times since I was In high school, I just want to say that he would have totally loved this thing.
ReplyDeleteHe was an artist and he was a natural human being who was sometimes very sensual. His favorite song for sex was 'love to love you, baby' by Donna Summer.
And there are a lot more people who used to live here, but don't anymore -- like Nina from clarkson street who used to rule over the whole left edge of Tompkins park, and all the squat or rot people who used to have parties in what is now the museum of reclaimed urban space, on avenue c. Or also, the enema man of east 10th street, or the newsstand that was on avenue d and 10th street since 1987, or the coke guy who went on skates and got hit by a police car.
Keith haring got a statue, so don't say things about it -- he earned it, and you didn't even notice the details of how it was arranged.
I hope you take a minute to listen to Donna Summer.
Thanks.
All artists seek corporate money. Why else would they move to NYC?
ReplyDeleteMaybe we can name this sculpture "Welcome to mid-town south".
ReplyDeleteGood point! He's running away from the Death Star and towards St Marks!
ReplyDelete