HARING

Keith Haring

Keith Haring was a white, gay, artist and activist in New York. Like many if not all white activists he had some political limits I would like to address before you read any further. In an article from “The Body,” author Ricardo Montez, discusses Harings’ journals, which in some places read: “I am sure that inside, I am not white.” Haring wanted to distance himself from the history of white oppression and violence against people of color. I see this as a limit in Haring’s anti-racism, and a good lesson for white artists today. I see this as a lesson and example for white artists and anti-racists to confront our whiteness and not pretend it does not exist. Acknowledging that privilege is incredibly important in all aspects of life, including art.

Keith Haring was a gay street/graffiti artist in New York from 1978-1990. He was inspired by the graffiti and street art that was popular in New York at that time. His father was an animator so Haring learned to draw when he was young. Haring's style was kind of simplistic and cartoonish, while also being incredibly detailed. Throughout his career he was very committed to accessibility and the idea that “Art is for everybody.” He would work with students from historically marginalized communities and often made art collaboratively. Haring either only used black and white or would use bright colors for his work. In the beginning Haring's work included collages of newspaper clippings and he would change their meanings. Between 1980-1982 Haring’s popularity spiked. He would draw on old advertising spaces that had been painted over.

Keith Haring became very popular and he was able to have his own exhibitions. While Haring was alive the AIDS epidemic had begun in New York. Many of Haring's friends died from the disease. In 1988, Haring was diagnosed with HIV. In his last two years of life Haring’s art became very focused on safe sex education and fighting against AIDS and the stigma of HIV/AIDS. He knew he was going to die because there wasn’t a cure, but he still fought for people impacted by HIV/AIDS in his community. His later art reflected that acceptance and became more politically overt or “in your face.”

With this Wayfinder, I wanted to monumentalize a queer artist in the school. The school does not have any rooms named after known famous queer artists. Keith Haring’s art is well known but not many people know who he is and what his art represents. I chose the Drawing Studio because it has always been a place for me that has felt safe and comfortable.

On the front of my Wayfinder I drew some of Haring’s more popular art. I used bright colors on the front so it can stand out more, and also because Haring would use bright colors. On the back I only did black and white, and these drawings were not with a specific reference. I looked at his bigger pieces and incorporated his style and little designs. For the arms I also did simple drawings inspired by his work. I want viewers to see his work and hopefully want to learn more about Haring and the role his art played in history and during the HIV/AIDS epidemic.