3. Personal Background Learned cartooning from his father 1978: School of Visual Arts in New York City, found the city inspiring because of it’s energy and spirit 1988: diagnosed with AIDS, collaborated with famous people to raise awareness for AIDS 1989: Keith Haring Foundation created, to provide funding for AIDS organizations 1990: died from AIDS complications
4. Historical Events 1960- JFK elected President 1963- MLK delivers “I Have a Dream” speech 1969- Neil Armstrong is the first man on the moon 1973- Pablo Picasso dies 1981- Sandra Day O’Connor is the first woman justice of the U.S. Supreme Court 1984- Jean DuBuffet dies 1986- AIDS becomes epidemic Influenced by the punk- rock feel of his era
5. Art World’s Influence Inspired by Andy Warhol’s ability to connect art and life Admired/ Inspired by Jean DuBuffet, Pierre Alechinsky, William Burrough, Robert Henri While in Paris, studied Picasso
6. Influence on the Art World In subway stations, would draw on black advertising panels with chalk Opened the ‘Pop Shop’ where his designs are printed and sold on T- Shirts, backpacks, lunch boxes, posters etc. Painted murals on children’s hospitals, office buildings and western side of Berlin Wall (before falling) His art considered “example of the diminishing line between consumerism, popular culture, and fine art in the 1980s” More artists after him started painting consumerism/ pop culture
7. Stylistic Traits Bold Lines: Haring uses thick, contrasting outlining Active Figures: shows people doing actions like dancing, jumping, crawling etc. Simple Signs: Haring uses simple symbols in his artwork like hearts, babies, dogs, silhouettes etc. Vibrant/ Intense Colors: uses bright, concentrated, expressive colors in his artwork