Aviva Press

By Maria Esteves - May 17, 2008

The Seventh Annual 2008 Tribeca Film Festival (TFF08) New York Premiere documentary film of THE UNIVERSE OF KEITH HARING, directed by Christina Clausen was held at Pace University Schimmel Center for the Arts, Wednesday, April 30, 9:30 pm. A special Q&A immediately followed.

THE UNIVERSE OF KEITH HARING is a profound documentary film based on the life of world-renowned artist Keith Haring (1958 - 1990). The real life audio and video excerpts included in the documentary are astonishing. In the early 1980s, Haring began his artistic graffiti talent in the streets of downtown New York City. I recall seeing trails of graffiti murals created in white chalk with the signature K. Haring in the East Village sidewalks. The images were fascinating, intriguing, definitely a conversation piece! Haring's contemporary artwork captivated mainstream society and the world. Haring who passed away from HIV/AIDS complications at the age of 31 is a legend!

As I entered the theater with a colleague at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival, New York Premiere of THE UNIVERSE OF KEITH HARING, unexpected memories of friends and loved ones who died from HIV/AIDS overwhelmed me to tears. However, the film was nothing more than a sheer inspiration and a celebration of life.

"The Artist Speaks (Tribute to Keith Haring)" theme
song, Junior Vasquez, DJ/record producer, at the TFF08
New York Premiere THE UNIVERSE OF KEITH HARING.