Most people who visit Grace Cathedral come for the labyrinths, the Gothic architecture, or the sweeping views of the city from Nob Hill. But tucked inside the famed landmark is something far more unexpected: a final work from one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century.
While most are familiar with Keith Haring’s bold murals and canvases, one of his last creations is a shimmering, monochromatic altarpiece.
Nestled inside the AIDS Interfaith Memorial Chapel, “The Life of Christ” is a stunning bronze triptych with a white-gold patina. Completed just weeks before Keith Haring’s death from the disease in 1990, the altarpiece is a moving tribute to those who lost their lives due to AIDS.
The triptych is brimming with movement as angels and human figures reach upwards in a style that is unmistakably Keith Haring’s. At the center, a depiction of Christ is cradled by a multi-armed figure, caught between tears and a radiant heart. It’s kinetic and sacred all at once, bridging the gap between pop iconography, activism, and spiritualism.
There are only nine casts of “The Life of Christ.” The other eight altarpieces are on display in collections around the world, including the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, which held Haring’s memorial service on May 4th, 1990.
San Francisco received its altarpiece in 1995 with the help of Yoko Ono, who was a friend of Haring’s. Being one of the first houses of worship to openly welcome those living with HIV and AIDS, Grace Cathedral is a fitting and deeply intentional home for this rare work of art.
What else can you discover at Grace Cathedral?
For a limited time, Grace Cathedral is transforming into a living canvas almost nightly. After dazzling over 2 million visitors globally, this unique fusion of music, lighting, and projection mapping collides to create a truly otherworldly experience.
AURA at Grace Cathedral has been described as an “emotional and artistic odyssey,” where historic beauty meets contemporary artistry.
The creators of AURA have curated experiences at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Las Vegas Sphere, so you know it’s going to leave an impression. Plan your visit to AURA here!
