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b. 1958
Keith Haring
Keith Haring emerged as a prominent figure in New York's 1980s East Village art scene alongside luminaries like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kenny Scharf, and Jenny Holzer. Initially gaining attention for his graffiti in city subways and sidewalks, Haring later transitioned to a dedicated studio practice. He blended the allure of cartoons with the raw intensity of Art Brut, notably inspired by Jean DuBuffet, creating a distinctive pop-graffiti style characterized by lively, boldly outlined figures set against vibrant backgrounds.
His art addressed major societal issues including exploitation, oppression, substance abuse, and the looming spectre of nuclear devastation. Following his AIDS diagnosis in 1987, Haring passionately engaged with these themes, using his work as a platform for social activism. Today, his pieces command seven-figure sums at auction and have been prominently featured in solo exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Brooklyn Museum, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Albertina Museum in Vienna.
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Who is Keith Haring?
Keith Haring, a beloved figure in both New York's art scene and activism, remains one of the most influential names in Contemporary Art. Renowned for his vibrant and playful pop-graffiti style, as well as his deeply engaged social art, particularly in AIDS activism, Haring famously asserted that 'art is life, and life is art.'
Born in Pennsylvania in 1958, Keith Haring discovered his passion for drawing at an early age, inspired by popular cartoons such as Walt Disney and Dr. Seuss. He relocated to New York City in 1978 to study at the School of Visual Arts. By 1980, Haring began prolifically creating hundreds of drawings across New York's streets and subways, which he referred to as his 'laboratory.' It was in these public spaces that he honed the iconic motifs that would define his artistry, including his celebrated Radiant Baby—an image he described as embodying 'the purest and most positive experience of human existence.' His heart icons and dancing figures, also originating from this period, became recurring symbols in his subsequent works.
Keith Haring's commitment to accessibility drove him to establish multiple 'Pop Shops' where his art was available for as little as 50 cents. Through these ventures, he aimed to make his work widely accessible, subverting elitism within the art market. His embrace of printmaking enabled him to reproduce his paintings extensively, ensuring the sustainability of his Pop Shop sales.
Reflecting on his approach, Haring expressed, "I could earn more money if I just painted a few things and jacked up the price. My shop is an extension of what I was doing in the subway stations, breaking down the barriers between high and low art." For Haring, the Pop Shops represented a way of "taking art off the pedestal. I’m giving it back to the people."
Today, Keith Haring is widely celebrated for his pivotal role in AIDS activism. Witnessing the devastating impact of the epidemic on the LGBTQ+ community, and personally diagnosed with AIDS in 1988, Haring channeled his artistry to raise awareness through works like his renowned "Ignorance = Fear". His creations often incorporated the pink triangle, a symbol reclaimed by the LGBTQ+ rights movement after its use during the Holocaust to identify those persecuted for homosexuality.
Haring's art boldly confronted the pressing social and political issues of the 1980s, including the HIV/AIDS crisis, drug addiction, and apartheid in South Africa. As an openly gay artist and advocate within the LGBTQ+ movement, Haring used his creative platform to combat homophobia and champion causes such as safe sex, HIV/AIDS awareness, and research. His impactful posters like "Crack Down" in 1986 addressed drug abuse, while the iconic "Crack Is Wack" mural in Harlem responded to the crack cocaine epidemic in New York City.
Keith Haring, renowned for his vibrant primary colors and bold, black-outlined figures, believed passionately in art for the masses. His artistic journey began on the streets of New York, where he adorned locations as diverse as the Berlin Wall, Times Square billboards, construction sites, and the city's subway system with his iconic creations. In his prints, Haring aimed to maintain this accessibility, crafting works deeply intertwined with contemporary life and available for purchase by all.
Today, Haring's legacy resonates strongly both in the art world and among younger audiences, with his works continuing to be celebrated in museums and commercial markets alike. The Keith Haring Foundation has collaborated extensively with streetwear brands and established fashion houses such as Uniqlo and Coach, ensuring that his art remains as influential now as it was during his lifetime.
Haring's exploration of prints and printmaking began with traditional methods like lithography and etching. Over time, he ventured into screenprinting, a technique that allowed him to expand his artistic palette. Inspired by Andy Warhol, a significant influence on his career, Haring's screenprints evolved from simpler color compositions, such as those in the Bayer Suite, to more complex and vibrant images like "Apocalypse", a collaboration with writer William Burroughs.
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