Inspired by Keith Haring

Inspiration in your corporate identity? Then look no further than Art, as you will find occasionally in my blog the significance and impact of an art style or artist. This blog is about a graffiti painter from New York who became world famous!

Keith Haring was born on May 4 1958 and grew up in Kutztown, a small borough in Pennsylvania. The signs was there from an early age, his father was a cartoonist so it was in his genes to become an artist. Keith started to draw his first strips and bring his stories to life. He first experienced modern art when visiting the 'Museum of Modern art’ in Washington DC. After Keith had finished high school, he went on to an art school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Graffiti Sprayer in NY

As time went on his drawings became larger and in 1978 Keith moved to New York City. He adored the life in the big city, he found a never ending supply of inspiration. All the major museums throughout his neighbourhood would be littered with artists at work, just walking down the street you could feel the energy. It was in New York where Keith Haring found his own unique style. He recounted his style: 'I bought a roll of paper, cut holes in it and put it on the floor. Then I started painting. The first pieces were abstract but then arose other images, they were people, animals and flying saucers, people on the road zapping, Keith himself had no idea where these figures came from. His style was born!

Keith Haring is working in a subway station in aan het werk in een metrostation in NY

In New York, he had noticed that there were many unsprayed black areas in the metro stations. This was perfect for him, an ideal place to bring his ideas to life and the public. Spraying subway stations became his daily activity. After a while, everyone knew of Keith Haring's work. Eventually he started in art galleries to present his work.

In his first solo exhibition in New York, he painted all the walls first before hanging his paintings there. Because of all the publicity his work brought from the subway, he had already gained great reputation. This excitement generated a buzz which appealed to the masses and filled his exhibitions.

Keith Haring is world famous

Eventually Herring had exhibitions in Europe, Japan, and the United States, he even painted the side of a church in Italy. As a result of his popularity, the price of his work soared. However it was not all about the money, he wanted to share his work so everyone could enjoy his art, opening a new shop, "The Pop Shop”. This shop had posters, T-shirts, buttons and badges for sale with his art on it. In 1988, Keith Haring contracted the disease AIDS. Despite his illness he continued with his work. He even made posters about his illness and donated the money to doctors who were looking for a drug.

Fragment of the painted Church of San Antonio in Pisa (Keith Haring 1989)

In 1988, Keith Haring contracted the disease AIDS. Despite his illness he continued with his work. He even made posters about his illness and donated the money to doctors who were looking for a drug. After his death in 1990 Keith still lives on through his work.

More images and inspiration on Pinterest.

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