July 27 1987: Keith Davis dies of AIDS, age 33

Nan Goldin, Keith Davis at home, NYC, 1985. Courtesy the artist, Copyright: Nan Goldin.

July 27, 1987: David’s friend Keith Davis dies of HIV/AIDS-related illness, age 33. David is with him at his death and writes about it in his memoir ‘Close to the Knives.” An artist, collector, and designer, Davis was a generous collaborator, inviting artists like David to use the materials and equipment at his Suffolk Street loft. He inspired David’s shop poster and driftwood totem series by helping procure the raw materials.