Dolce Vita c. 1991

Curator: Keith Haring’s graphic art, "Dolce Vita," was created around 1991 as a poster. My first reaction is this artwork presents a playful visual invitation to, quite literally, the "sweet life," wouldn't you say? Editor: I do get that invitation—there's something wonderfully chaotic, yet embracing, about it. Those entangled figures, almost childlike in their simplicity, immediately make you think of connection. Maybe a slightly messy, complex connection. Curator: Yes, Haring's characteristic line work conveys that beautifully. I think he harnesses the ethos of the period perfectly by presenting a vision of "Dolce Vita" in graphic-art poster format. How the socio-political landscape frames such simple things... The poster advertises an event located at Lausanne under "Sous la tente de Mario Botta," I'd say art in public spaces always plays a pivotal role to represent change. Editor: Right, there's this immediate accessibility, like a joyful blast on the streets! You have to smile— the bold, flat colors, and how the figures are intertwined evoke joy. It reminds me, sometimes, our connections with one another, like a tight, fun embrace but you do not know which limbs and body parts match who! It represents this moment well; but even with its darkness, there is lightness to it. It embodies Haring's spirit in totality. Curator: Absolutely. And consider that at this time, Haring was increasingly using his platform to speak about his illness. Editor: It layers the emotion. Perhaps this chaotic but comforting embrace becomes more profound, an urgent call to connect and find joy amidst the hard times. So, after pondering Haring’s invitation to “Dolce Vita," it encourages a search for sweet connection during our darkest hours, an embrace of complex human links as something vital to living life. Curator: Indeed, Keith Haring captures that moment.