Keith Haring

Keith Haring was a New York based artist and social activist who died on AIDS in 1990. That's pretty much all I knew about him. But after reading more about Haring, I was intrigued by his story and how he came to be the "Keith Haring" we know today.

His story is inspiring and relatable: A young boy who has been interested in art from an early age, going to arts school before dropping out only after 2 semesters, moving to New York and getting "discovered." His life is almost like a glamorous movie, from humble beginnings relocating to the Big Apple where he made influential friends in the art scene like Kenny Scharf, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol, being sought out after by celebrities to his untimely death.

He devoted his life to public art, his works inspired by graffiti. I enjoy Haring's work because of the "positivity" I feel when viewing them. The motions of his characters, choice of colours and felt-marker like lines radiate happiness which is a nice departure from the solemn and epic art we're used to seeing. He has, however, taken on serious topics such as religion and safe sex while still using the "graffiti/pop art" style which still creates a humorous feel.

Haring teaches us that art doesn't have to be complex and necessary "hard to do." It's about originality and creativity first and foremost.

"Untitled (Boxers)" by Keith Haring in Berlin.

Photo taken by Kevin Kim

All other images from Haring.com