Keith HARING

Keith HARING was born on May 4, 1958 and was a pre-eminent artist and social activist whose work responded to the New York street culture of the 1980s.

St. Sebastian, 1984Acrylic on Canvas60 x 60 inches 152.4 x 152.4 cm

Interested in art from an early age, he studied graphic design at The Ivy School of Professional Art, a commercial and fine art school in Pittsburgh. Keith moved to New York City where he was greatly inspired by the graffiti art, and additionally studied at the School of Visual Arts.

Untitled, 1983Vinyl Ink on Vinyl Tarpaulin120 x 120 inches 305 x 305 cm

Many of his works as a graffiti/pop artist show homoerotic themes and use various type of material such as plastic or iron for example. He achieved his first public attention with his chalk drawings in the subways of New York. "The Radiant Baby" became his symbol and quite often his art is at the edge of publicity.

Red-Yellow-Blue No.10, 1987Acrylic and Oil on Canvas

He contributed in the New York New Wave display and got to know Andy Warhol. Warhol was also the theme of several of Keith Haring's pieces including "Andy Mouse". Also influenced by the New York city nightlife ranked among his friends Madonna, Grace Jones or Basquiat (see the following post).

The Keith Haring Foundation, established in 1989, continues Keith's legacy of giving to children's organizations. Keith Haring died in 1990 of an HIV-related disease. He had been diagnosed HIV positive two years earlier.

Boxers, 1988Polyurethane Paint on Aluminum46 1/2 x 33 x 22 inches 118 x 84 x 64 cm

Quote to remember :
"I don't think art is propaganda; it should be something that liberates the soul, provokes the imagination and encourages people to go further. It celebrates humanity instead of manipulating it."

More about Keith Haring :
www.haring.com
www.haringkids.com