The Meaning Behind Keith Haring's 'Apocalypse' Series at CCNY

Keith Haring's 'Apocalypse' Series: A Testament to Activism

The City College of New York (CCNY) recently announced the donation of Keith Haring’s remarkable Apocalypse series, a collection comprising 30 unique pieces of art. This significant donation has been made possible through the Leonard-Litz LGBTQ+ Foundation and is intended to foster discussions on pivotal social issues, specifically those affecting the LGBTQ+ community. The series, which includes powerful screen prints accompanied by captions from iconic writer William S. Burroughs, sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals during the AIDS pandemic in the late 1980s, a period that deeply influenced Haring both personally and artistically.

In 1988, the year Haring created Apocalypse, he was navigating his own experience with HIV, which makes the series more than just art; it's a compelling narrative that intertwines personal pain with broader community activism. CCNY’s spaces will host these works, enabling students, faculty, and alumni—especially those within the CUNY LGBTQ+ community—to engage with the art at a profound level. The collection will also be available for loan to other CUNY campuses, facilitating its reach and impact across multiple institutions.

Vincent Boudreau, President of CCNY, articulated the university’s gratitude for this donation, emphasizing how Haring's work embodies activism within the context of crucial national issues. “The Apocalypse series is not merely historical art; it stands as a significant marker of a critical moment in our societal evolution,” Boudreau remarked. This sentiment echoes the foundation’s mission to uplift the expressive potential of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.

Elliot Leonard, a founding trustee of the Leonard-Litz Foundation, expressed his hopes that the Apocalypse series would catalyze meaningful conversations on campus about the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly during the AIDS crisis. He noted that keeping Haring’s art in vibrant view could provide a grounding presence for students, fostering a sense of shared history and communal strength within the LGBTQ+ spaces across CUNY.

Jake Nill, Associate Director of the CCNY LGBTQ+ Student Center, highlighted the emotional significance of having such original works displayed in close proximity to where students gather, share personal stories, and support one another. He articulated a vision of the artwork serving as a warm reminder of community and shared experience, fostering inclusivity through the essence of Haring's work integrated into the daily experiences of students.

Andrew Rich, Dean of the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership and a co-founder of the LGBTQ+ Student Center, underlined the importance of having the Apocalypse series accessible to students. He suggested that this engagement with Haring’s art would not only provide aesthetic appreciation but also embody the rich context of activism from the 1980s—a time marked by intense struggle and resilience for LGBTQ+ Americans and those affected by HIV/AIDS.

The exhibition is set to officially open on March 4, 2025, marking an important date for the CCNY community. The opening event will include discussions about Haring's impact as both an artist and activist during his time, further integrating the educational aspects of the exhibition with participatory engagements.

Notably, Ellen Handy, Associate Professor of Art History and director of the CCNY art collection, mentioned the ongoing collaboration that will support the organization of the traveling exhibit. A graduate student will be hired to delve into the art's history and context, enriching the educational engagement surrounding the exhibition. Moreover, Handy is in the process of developing a new course that will explore the intersections of art and activism, focusing specifically on Haring’s contributions in relation to the pandemic and the cultural shifts of the 1980s.

The artworks are set to remain at CCNY for at least 15 years, with potential plans to auction them afterward to benefit LGBTQ+ programming at the college. This strategic approach ensures that Haring’s legacy continues to inspire future generations while supporting vital resources for LGBTQ+ students.

The Leonard-Litz Foundation is dedicated to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, supporting initiatives that meet the needs of this vibrant yet historically marginalized population. Meanwhile, The City College of New York has a longstanding reputation for providing accessible and transformative education, prominently featuring a diverse range of disciplines while playing a pivotal role in social change.

In summary, Haring’s Apocalypse series serves not only as an artistic collection but as a powerful vehicle for discussion, education, and community engagement, illustrating the lasting impact of one artist's voice amidst a turbulent historical backdrop. The donation represents a critical opportunity for CCNY to foster ongoing dialogues around art, activism, history, and the ramifications of the AIDS crisis on modern society.