Keith Aoki: 1955-2011 Life as the Art of Kindness, A Remembrance Paperback – May 9, 2011

Professor Aoki was an amazingly innovative teacher and perhaps the kindest person I ever met. I hope that because of him, there will be more like him . . .

This is a really great book, written by folks who were fortunate enough to know and love one unbelievable guy!

This is a very special, heartfelt memorial document for a very special individual. I knew Keith when we were art students at Wayne State University in Detroit. It was obvious that he was extremely talented, and shared his talents abundantly.Even though he had been gone from the Metro Detroit area for many years, we still followed his career and spoke of him with reverence; his sculptures, graphic works, and performances became a part of Detroit Art lore, even though he was in in early 20's at the time. The prodigy that Keith was didn't instill any jealous thoughts or feelings, instead, his example spurred us on. And still does.His passing hit us like the impact of the proverbial Mack Truck. The news spread like wildfire around the Detroit community, and to Detroiters around the country. With every private conversation about Keith that took place, another decidedly Aoki Anecdote was shared. I am proud to have a remembrance included in this memorial document.

The book, produced by Duke Law Professor Jamie Boyle, with Duke's Jennifer Jenkins and Balfour Smith, offers remembrances of UC Davis Law Professor and graphic artist Keith Aoki, who passed away from a terminal illness this year. There are remembrances from John Perry Barlow and countless law professors across the country, in fields such as intellectual property and critical race theory. The book includes a dazzling array of Twitter messages, including one from Larry Lessig, on the day of Keith's passing. And it includes some great cartoons done by Keith, as well as art from his early years. A beautiful tribute from a few of the many who loved Keith.