Client: Haring Foundation - City of Chicago

Overview

Since 1998, Amaral Custom Fabrications has provided fabrication services to the Keith Haring Foundation for all of Keith’s outdoor sculpture. At 30 feet in height, this is the largest Haring sculpture in the western hemisphere. Built with a steel body for strength, and aluminum appendages for weight reduction “Self Portrait” had to meet the stringent engineering qualifications for placement on the shores of Chicago’s Lake Michigan.

Goals

"Self Portrait" was placed at Chicago's Lincoln Park Aids Garden. Dedicated to Chicago's LGBTQ community, it has become a signature community anchor, and gathering point.

Process

Enlarged from a 9 inch tall cardboard and paint maquette, made by the artist, Amaral's job was to ensure materials and workmanship would withstand the test of time. Working closely with representatives of the Haring Foundation, especially Julia Gruen, we executed the works to the satisfaction of the Foundation.