Harp Drawing

Often based on photographs or images appropriated from media, René Santos’s compositions explore themes ranging from religiosity to pop culture. Harp Drawing is one in a series of works veiled by fine, vertical red bars resembling harp strings. The traditional biblical subject of St. Jerome in his study is updated to include a bottle of Coca-Cola on the suit-clad scholar’s desk, in addition to the usual books and skull.

Part of New York City’s vibrant 1980s art scene, Santos died from AIDS in 1986. His work is now promoted by Visual AIDS, an organization committed to AIDS awareness and HIV prevention through the funding of art projects. Visual AIDS was co-founded in 1988 by William Olander, former AMAM curator of modern and contemporary art, who oversaw the acquisition of Harp Drawing.