I've heard about this mural for awhiles now and I finally went down to 22/Federal Sts to see it and take some photos. I've also heard that this building may be demolished or the land that it sits on has been bought and will be developed into something else. While Philly has a ton of incredible murals thanks to the Mural Arts Program, losing an original Keith Haring [from 1987] would suck major goat balls. Haring was and continues to be an important artist.
Haring is well known for his work in NYC during the 80s, but I recently learned that he's a Pennsylvanian originally from Reading. A six-month long show closed earlier this month at the Reading Museum. Unfortunatly, I found out about it the week before it closed and didn't have a chance to see it.
Haring is one of the first artists whose work got to me in some way. The simple graphical images just jumped out at me.
I wonder what could be done to help save this masterpiece.
Click on the image above for a larger look at it. I stiched together a dozen shots using autostitch, a great panorama tool. More Philly murals in this flickr set.
Can we save the mural?
I went to the Reading's exhibition; it was tamed but still awesome. I felt an instant connection with Keith Haring and his art. I agree, Albert, we should do something to save the mural. Any ideas?
well
I'm still not 100% sure that it is in danger of being torn down, doing some investigating. And there may already be some kind of effort, not sure about that one either. Checking...
Info about the Mural
Albert,
My partner is a landscape architect and a few years ago he was lamenting the condition of the mural and the little park in front of it. He contacted someone about it, re-landscaped the small park (pro bono), and was part of a rededication ceremony which Keith Haring's niece attended.
His company is Composite, Inc. and here is the page on the company site which describes what was done for the Keith Haring Mural and Park.
Email me if you or email Michael directly from his company site if you are interested in getting involved with the mural's preservation.
Keith Haring
Albert,
Earlier this year I saved a Keith Haring mural in New York City. It was in a building on the lower east side. I designed a system of extracting the mural during demolition. It's 20'X 20' and weighs 40,000 lbs.
I just saw your blog on the piece at 22nd and Federal. Can you give me any information on it? I'll go look nat it if it's still there. I'd appreciate any information you can give me. Regards, Pat Tarrant
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