Richard Corman, Keith Haring 1 - NYC, 1985 (hand signed twice), 2022

Richard Corman

Keith Haring 1 - NYC, 1985 (hand signed twice), 2022

Photographic print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Ultrasmooth paper mounted on Dibond aluminum board. (Hand signed and numbered on both the front and back of the board)

Hand signed and numbered 1/10 twice (front and back) and also titled on the back by Richard Corman

Frame Included

This photograph of Keith Haring was taken in 1985 at his 676 Broadway studio, by celebrated photographer Richard Corman while on assignment for L'Uomo Vogue.
By that time, Corman had already taken some of the most memorable and iconic photographs of Madonna and later Basquiat - so it was fitting that this stylish Italian publication would choose him to photograph Keith Haring - already a major New York art star at the time. Corman's iconic photograph of Haring was reprinted in 2022 in a limited edition, and was featured in the exhibition "I Shot The Messenger!" - a solo presentation of his work at Frevo in New York City from September 11 to November 11, 2022. It is held in a bespoke wooden frame hand painted in orange.

This gorgeous print is signed twice: Richard Corman signed, titled, dated and numbered one of only ten (1/10) on the back in black marker, and also boldly signed and numbered in black marker on the front. A video of the artist signing this work will be provided to the purchaser. (see still photos of Corman signing this work.)

Measurements:
Frame:
41.5 x 38.25 x 2 inches
Photograph:
40 x 36.75 inches

Richard speaks on this encounter:

"To my surprise, when Keith answered the door, this unassuming building revealed to me a labyrinth of finished and unfinished artworks, bursting with color. I was familiar with Keith's graffiti in the subway stations, his murals, and the unique language of his art which raised awareness of AIDS and fought against the infiltration of illegal drugs. However, while positioning him around the space and working to capture something special during our time together, I realized this person was undeniably an original. His calm presence defied his free spirit, which revealed itself as he placed himself in front of my camera. These images offer up a glimpse at the confidence and price that Keith had in his own unique language for communicating his message to the world."

About Richard Corman:
While Richard Corman’s photography varies widely in subject matter, it is always intensely focused on the infinitely varied expressions of the human spirit. Ken Burns, documentarian and director, describes Richard’s work as:

"Artistic vision dedicated to the highest aspirations of human endeavor...
the photographs record in big moments and small, among the famous
and ordinary, the gifted and challenged, larger truths relevant to all of us."

As a portrait photographer, Corman has worked with a thrilling breadth of subjects from Nobel Peace Prize recipients Nelson Mandela and Elie Wiesel to esteemed actors at the top of their profession such as Robert De Niro, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Meryl Streep. In addition to his work with those already acknowledged for their accomplishments, Corman has the unique ability to see the compelling gifts in yet to be celebrated young artists. This has led him to working relationships with Madonna, Jean Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring as each was on the cusp of showing to the world what Richard had already captured.

Richard has worked with elite athletes who inspire greatness, like Michael Jordan, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Muhammad Ali. Beyond the physical prowess and beauty of the athletes, Richard has been able to capture the spirit of determination and dedication that is at each of their cores.

Some of the best-loved musicians of our time have worked with Corman, including Sting, Wynton Marsalis and Barbra Streisand. Richard’s gift for generating trust and openness with his subjects has extended to his portraits of writers, visual artists and dancers, who epitomize the best of their art, such as Kurt Vonnegut, Isamu Noguchi and Misty Copeland.

Richard is driven to find and capture an essential image of great spirits and great talent. Throughout his career, he’s been fortunate and honored to find them at all stages of the arc of their career.

Richard’s desire to capture the beauty of the human spirit extends beyond the commercial and entertainment worlds. Humbling experiences with many socio-cultural projects and non-profit organizations have translated into an extensive portfolio of indelible images. Most notable is his personal and profoundly compassionate work with the Special Olympics. Richard has traveled the world photographing these inspiring athletes for over two decades.

Richard has found great fulfillment in his work with the Wounded Warrior Project, American Association for Cancer Research, Amnesty International, United Way, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, The ACLU, Christopher Reeve and Dana Reeve Foundation, March of Dimes and Muhammad Ali's Parkinson's Center.

The fine art world of Photography has embraced his published books and limited edition fine art prints.

Richard, a native New Yorker, is inspired daily by the creative energy in New York City. Richard has a degree in Art History and Psychology from Hunter College. In addition, he spent two years apprenticing with Richard Avedon early in his career, and assisting him on the American West project. That time continues to influence Richard's work.