Keith Haring (May 4th, 1958 – February 16th, 1990) was a graffiti artist, a pop artist, a social activist, a LGBT activist, and a HIV/AIDS activist. He was a contemporary of Jean-Michael Basquiat and Andy Warhol. Haring’s work is considered one of the most recognizable visuals of the 20th century. He was able to bridge the sensibilities of graffiti art, street art with pop art styles, all the while infusing his social-political messages into the images. His work has appeared all over mainstream commercial art since his passing in 1990. Below are a few examples of his work in mainstream commercial art.
Keith Haring inspried MTV’s Christmas station ID commercial from 1991
Below are two documentaries on Keith Haring; one by French artist and fashion designer Maripol titled Kieth Haring: The Message (2013), the other one by filmmaker Christina Clausen titled The Universe of Keith Haring (2008).
Keith Haring – The Message (2013)
The Universe of Keith Haring (2008)
