Keith Haring was an iconic street artist who made a name for himself in the 1980s. He was famous for his graffiti artwork, bright geometric figures and for championing a cause for which he cared deeply: public education on aids awareness and advocacy for individuals living with HIV and AIDS. Haring’s artwork has become iconic, and remains one of his most enduring legacies. Here are some interesting facts about the pioneering artist.
Early Life
Keith Haring was born on May 4, 1958 in Reading, Pennsylvania to Allen and Joan Haring. His father was a military man and his mother a domestic worker. According to Haring’s own accounts, he was fascinated by art from a young age and was spending much of his time creating art by the time he was in elementary school.
He attended Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, but left after a year and moved to New York City to attend the School of Visual Arts, where he earned a BA degree in Fine Arts in 1978.
Career Beginnings
When Haring arrived in New York City, he quickly made a place for himself among the art scene. He identified with the underground scene and actively participated in gay culture and graffiti art. He started an internship at the Pop Shop on St. Mark’s Place, a retail store selling Pop Art related merchandise.
It was here that Haring really kicked off his career, creating a series of black-and-white drawings that captured the energy of the city. His first solo exhibition was held at the Friend’s of Leo Castelli Gallery in 1981 and he soon gained notoriety as one of the leading figures of the “New Expressionist” movement.
Influences
Haring was known for his vibrant and geometric figures, as well as for his use of bright colors and bold lines. His works were heavily influenced by a variety of sources, from pop culture and graffiti to art history and current events. He was particularly inspired by the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat, an American graffiti artist who worked in the same medium and focused on themes of political and social injustice. His interest in the political aspects of art was further featured in his work with the African American Civil Rights Movement and the AIDS epidemic.
Iconic Figures
Haring’s most iconic figures include The Radiant Baby, a cartoonish figure wrapped in a diaper and surrounded by rays of light and energy. He also created the Barking Dog, a figure of a cartoon dog barking beneath a street lamp, symbolizing the busker or street performer, as well as the iconic “radiant child”, which was his version of an angel. The “radiant child” became an enduring symbol of hope during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s.
Public Installations and Political Works
Haring’s public art installations scandalized the world, particularly his series of “Crack is Wack” paintings. Painted on the walls of New York City’s East Harlem in 1986, the series was Haring’s way of bringing attention to the crack cocaine use epidemic that had been growing in the city at the time. He also collaborated with Basquiat on large-scale political murals with messages such as “Stop AIDS” and “Safe and Clean Needles”.
AIDS Activism
Haring was a strong voice for the AIDS movement in the 1980s. He worked on numerous public art projects to raise funds and awareness for AIDS, including the Keith Haring AIDS Treatment and Research Center at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York.
He also established the Keith Haring Foundation in 1989, an organization dedicated to supporting AIDS-related causes as well as organizations that promote education in the visual arts. The foundation funds multiple programs, including a variety of art education initiatives, research and AIDS initiatives.
Legacy
Keith Haring passed away on February 16, 1990, at the age of 31, due to AIDS-related complications. He left behind a lasting legacy, both through his work and through his charitable organizations and activism. His work continues to be an influence on the world of art and his ethos of “art for everyone” has impacted the lives of countless people.
Keith Haring’s life and work remains relevant today and his artwork has been used by a variety of artists to make a statement about AIDS awareness, activism and fighting injustice. His art is a reminder of the power of art and the impact it can have on social issues.