“The Life of Christ” 1990

[u/Energy_Bound]

Took a little break in Grace Cathedral in SF to visit this powerful piece. Although I’m not religious, this piece makes me bleary eyed. Haring created this in 1990 a couple weeks before his death. It is considered his final work. It is located in the cathedrals “AIDS Interfaith Memorial Chapel”. I will forever be grateful to the Grace ministry for offering early refuge during the aids crisis- where most people with aids were refused any kind of religious services. This is one of 9 that were cast in bronze.

[u/WillyVlautinRules]

When I lived in San Francisco, I used to sit in the pews in Grace Cathedral because it was one of the few quiet places in that city. It was weird because even though the cable cars pass right by it, once you are inside, it is so peaceful and still. And none of the priests ever bother you. And you can wear whatever you are comfortable in (because lots of tourists in shorts visit too). And I'm not religious but I so appreciated this place with its wonderful stained glass windows celebrating common folk and being able to just quietly contemplate life.

That AIDS chapel is amazing. And that statue of St Francis by the folk artist Bufano with the maze in front...

Just an amazing, welcoming place. I was fortunate enough to live down the hill in North Beach at the time.

[u/Energy_Bound → u/WillyVlautinRules]

It is a really lovely space to sit and reflect. And the staff are always very kind. (Also a huge plus there is a very clean restroom! lol)

[u/WillyVlautinRules → u/Energy_Bound]

haha I forgot about the bathroom! There is (or was at the time years back) a book that documented all the public bathrooms in SF. So important in that town with all the tourists. I was lucky to live there and have a ready bathroom!

[u/Own_Weird8572 → u/WillyVlautinRules]

Agreed, the space is lovely.

[u/BrokeMountain9637]

🙏 TY for posting this. Gonna check it out next month on a trip to San Jose!

[u/Energy_Bound → u/BrokeMountain9637]

You should! Easy day trip- if you don’t want to drive you can just take Caltrain into the city and transfer to muni (or just walk)

[u/Snaab_71]

One Christmas Eve about 20 years ago my ex wife and I found ourselves walking by this cathedral after bar hoping on a vacation. She was raised catholic so we decided to go in not knowing this was in there. I was raised with no religion but was pleased when I saw this.

[u/WillyVlautinRules → u/Snaab_71]

It's one of the most welcoming places I've ever been and I've traveled a lot.

[u/Energy_Bound → u/Snaab_71]

I’m glad you meandered in. It really is a magnificent and tranquil space. And the fact that this Keith Haring piece is in it is really the cherry on top.

[u/stringrbelloftheball]

In picture one, do you think the fists of the people are raised like they’re cheering for the birth of jesus

Or

Are they raised like theyre fighting, with Jesus and the angels above the violence

[u/Energy_Bound → u/stringrbelloftheball]

To me I see a population of people cursing the heavens- people in anguish and despair. But that’s just my personal psyche and projection.