LA RABIDA CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
KEITH HARING FOUNDATION
CITY/STATE
Chicago, IL
LOCATION IN HOSPITAL
Entrance
INSTALL DATE
2013
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ABOUT THE INSTALLATION
In 2013, RxART, in collaboration with the Keith Haring Foundation, produced a mural for the entrance of La Rabida Children’s Hospital. Combining process, theater, and supreme calligraphic and compositional skill, Haring approached painting in a wholly idiosyncratic manner. Here, his iconic, simplified figures seem to dance up, down, and across the mural, enlivening an otherwise drab facility wall. Because the composition’s energy, spare use of color, and dense imagery speaks to people of all ages and walks of life, the artwork serves as a fitting centerpiece for the hospital’s entrance.
This project was made possible through the generosity of the Keith Haring Foundation, the John T. Jackson Foundation, and the Capitanini Family.
ABOUT THE HOSPITAL
La Rabida Children’s Hospital is a pediatric specialty hospital providing extended acute care for children with lifelong medical conditions. Serving approximately 9,000 children annually, La Rabida offers primary and specialty care for complex and challenging medical conditions. The hospital provides care to all patients, regardless of their family's ability to pay. Its services include treatment for chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, sickle cell disease, and developmental disabilities. La Rabida also specializes in treating children who have been abused, neglected, or experienced trauma.
The hospital is recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for its medical home programs and has earned the Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
With a visual language that can now be seen everywhere from graffiti-adorned walls to baby bibs and phone cases, Keith Haring (1958-1990) was one of the most iconic artists of his generation, known for his presence in street culture and political engagement with the climate of the 1980s, commenting on topics such as birth, death, sexuality, and war. He first became known for his graffiti work in the subways of New York and began organizing exhibitions at Club 57 in 1980. Haring continued his prolific public works around the world, including painting a portion of the Berlin wall. Haring also focused on establishing a connection with his audience by creating projects in public health centers and setting up “Pop Shops”, stores where various paraphernalia sporting his designs were sold, in an effort to make his work accessible to all.
