Keith Haring’s last surviving large-scale mural in Australia is stirring up controversy over how best to preserve the imagery. Arts Victoria, the state government art advisors, is recommending moving forward with conservation efforts. However, several vocal protests have surfaced within the art community, the local council and the Keith Haring Foundation who call for the mural to be repainted in accordance with the late artist’s wishes, rather than being preserved in its current state.

The mural was originally painted on a wall of the former Collingwood Technical College in Yarra in 1984. After years of neglect and ware, a serious campaign to prevent the work from fading away began in 2010.  Arts Victoria released a four-part conservation management plan, beginning with but not limited to, researching the materials used by Haring, proper cleaning, selective retouching, and application of a protective coating.

However, other conservation advocates including Julia Gruen, the executive director of the Keith Harring Foundation, would like to see the mural’s vibrancy restored through repainting. They believe that it is more important that the mural conveys Harring’s ideals and original work, rather than preserve his brushstroke. Juliana Engberg, the artistic director of the ACCA, agrees that Haring left clear instructions that his works should be repainted when possible.

While many support the idea of repainting, including Alison Clarke the mayor of Yarra, still some conservators and university consultants voice concerns that the lack of preparation of the wall before the mural was painted and the relative absorbency of the brick may cause any new paint to eventually peel destroying any trace of the original mural. Despite the ongoing debate, Arts Victoria is expected to lodge a permit application with Heritage Victoria shortly so that it can begin the initial conservation work.