Page 106 - International Iconic July 2024

KEITH
HARING

eith Haring emerged as a defining figure in contemporary over 50 public artworks across cities like New York and Paris. His
art during the 1980s. Born in 1958 in Pennsylvania, Haring art, characterized by bold lines, vivid colours, and iconic images
K exhibited a passion for drawing from a young age. His early such as dancing figures, radiant babies, and barking dogs,
influences came from the cartooning skills of his father and the conveyed themes of birth, death, love, sex, and war. Haring’s
whimsical styles of pop icons, such as Dr. Seuss and Walt Disney. unique style and the universal concepts he addressed in his art
This fascination with drawing set the foundation for his future as an created a visual language that resonated globally.
artist known for his distinctive and engaging visual language. In 1986, Haring expanded his reach by opening the Pop Shop
After graduating high school in 1976, Haring briefly attended in SoHo, New York. This retail space sold affordable merchandise
the Ivy School of Professional Art in Pittsburgh. However, he featuring his art, a move that sparked controversy within the art
quickly realized that the path of a commercial graphic artist did world, with critics arguing it compromised his artistic integrity. Yet,
not align with his aspirations. Following two semesters, Haring left the Pop Shop thrived and expanded to Tokyo, though the New
formal education to pursue his artistic interests independently. His York store eventually transitioned to an online platform in 2005.
efforts bore fruit when he held a solo exhibition at the Pittsburgh Haring’s activism was as integral to him as his visual art. He
Arts and Crafts Center in 1978, a pivotal moment that led to his used his work to spotlight social issues such as apartheid, the AIDS
relocation to New York City. crisis, and environmental destruction. After being diagnosed
In New York, Haring enrolled at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) with AIDS in 1988, he established the Keith Haring Foundation,
and became deeply immersed in the city’s vibrant and eclectic art dedicated to supporting AIDS organisations and children’s
scene. Here, he found inspiration in the city’s burgeoning graffiti programmes. His notable activist works include the “Crack is
culture and began to participate in exhibitions and performances Wack” mural in Harlem and the “Ignorance = Fear” poster.
outside conventional venues, such as Club 57. During this period, Keith Haring’s life was tragically cut short on February 16,

“Art is nothing if you don’t reach every segment of the people.”

he forged friendships with notable artists like Kenny Scharf, 1990, when he died of AIDS-related complications at the age of
Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Andy Warhol, along with musicians, 31. Despite his brief career, Haring left an indelible mark on the
performance artists, and photographers, including Tseng Kwong art world and society. His messages of love, social justice, and
Chi, who meticulously documented Haring’s career. individual freedom continue to inspire and resonate. Haring’s art
At SVA, Haring explored various artistic mediums but remains prominently displayed in major museums worldwide and
remained steadfastly committed to drawing. His influences continues to be celebrated through numerous exhibitions.
ranged from the raw, outsider art of Jean Dubuffet and Pierre Recent exhibitions of Haring’s work include shows at the
Alechinsky to the pop sensibilities of Andy Warhol and the public Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam (2023), the National Gallery
and participatory nature of Christo’s works. Haring’s dedication of Victoria in Melbourne (2020), and the Tate Liverpool (2019),
to creating public art led him to a significant discovery in 1980: among others. His works are part of the permanent collections at
the blank advertising panels in the New York City subway system. prestigious institutions such as The Museum of Modern Art in New
Using these spaces, Haring created white chalk drawings that York, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian
quickly became familiar to daily commuters, allowing him to American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. Keith Haring’s legacy
engage directly with a broad audience. endures through his vibrant art and his unwavering commitment
From 1980 to 1989, Haring’s work garnered international to addressing critical social issues, ensuring his place as a pivotal
attention. He participated in numerous exhibitions and created figure in the history of contemporary art.