APPOART

“I am a necessary part of an important search to which there is no end”

Keith Haring was born on May 4, 1958 in Reading, Pennsylvania and grew up in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. He developed a love for drawing at a young age, inspired by cartoons and illustrations from artists like Dr. Seuss and Walt Disney. After briefly attending art school in Pittsburgh, Haring moved to New York City in 1978 and enrolled at the School of Visual Arts. There, he became part of the thriving underground art scene and befriended other emerging artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Kenny Scharf.

Artistic style: 

Haring developed a highly recognizable visual style characterized by bold, simplified figures and symbols. His paintings and drawings often featured stylized human figures, animals like barking dogs, and repeated motifs like the “radiant baby” – all rendered with thick, flowing black lines against solid color backgrounds. This simplified, cartoon-like aesthetic was inspired by graffiti, comic books, and ancient symbols like Egyptian hieroglyphics.Haring used bright, high-contrast colors like neon pinks, oranges, and greens to create a lively, energetic feel in his work. He frequently incorporated the use of Day-Glo paints, which glowed under UV light, to further enhance the visual impact of his art.

Most important works:

Untitled (Radiant Baby)

Painted in 1982, this large-scale work depicts Haring’s famous “radiant baby” motif – a crawling infant surrounded by radiating lines.

The radiant baby was one of Haring’s most recognizable symbols and appeared in many of his works, representing new life, growth, and the potential for change.

Untitled

Haring created several untitled paintings in 1983-1985 that demonstrate his bold, graphic style and use of repetitive patterns.

One notable work from 1983 measures 13 x 13 feet and features his simplified figures and symbols in black vinyl paint on tarpaulin.

Portrait of Grace Jones

In 1986, Haring painted a large portrait of singer and model Grace Jones, who he had collaborated with previously.

Measuring 8 x 12 feet, the painting depicts Jones’ face in Haring’s signature style, with acrylic and oil on canvas tarpaulin.

Exhibitions:

Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody

The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, MN will host this exhibition from April 27 to September 8, 2024.

The title reflects Haring’s belief that art should be accessible to everyone, not just the art world elite.

To My Friends at Horn: Keith Haring and Iowa City

The Stanley Museum of Art in Iowa City, IA will feature this exhibition from May 4, 2024 to January 7, 2025.