With the grace of a ballet dancer, he formed the spirited outlines of the actors and backdrops to his messages of redemption, courage and love. With one eye on the drawing and
one eye looking out for the cops he juxtaposed active, vibrant images creating his own language communicating to and inspiring the masses. As his work grew in popularity he was invited to show works in prestigeous galleries and create murals around the world. He was part of the Downtown 500, good friends with Jean-Michel Basquiat, Madonna and Kenny Scharf. He later ran with the Warhol crowd but never forgot the neighborhood kids. Always volunteering to help out with community projects spreading his message of one world politics, safe sex and human rights awareness.
Interested in bridging the worlds of high and low art Haring opened several pop shops where he featured colorful screen printed clothing, prints, pins, hats and other collectible memorabillia. The shops were decorated floor to ceiling with his art. Created as an art project/statement the shops welcomed all fans of his art. Kids from the Bronx mixed with global collectors breaking down the walls of who gets to appreciate art. His mural work continued until his death in 1990 at the age of 32 from HIV/AIDS. Thruought his career and even more in his final years he was a strong AIDS activist doing everything he could to raise awareness and money for research.
His work combined many genres and appealed to people of all ages and social standing. He painted and drew on anything. Nothing was sacred or spared if Keith had a brush in his hand. He had a gift for breaking it down. A true eye for symbols and the power of combining them for a global message. He was brave and insightful and loved by many.
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