Keith Haring - Red Dog

Red Dog, 1987

A letter from Keith Haring to an aspiring young artist

Keith Haring, the pioneering street artist, left an indelible mark on contemporary art. Here are several reasons why his legacy remains significant:

1. Pop Style Art and Global Fame:

   • In the 1980s, Haring gained international recognition for his bold line drawings and pop style art.
   • His iconic imagery made him instantly recognizable, catapulting him from the underground New York City art scene to mingling with luminaries like Andy Warhol, Grace Jones, Yoko Ono, and Madonna.

2. Advocacy Through Art:

   • Haring used his art to raise awareness for causes dear to his heart, including AIDS awareness.
   • His activism extended beyond the canvas, making him a powerful advocate for social change.

3. Influence on Urban Artists:

   • As a pioneer of 20th-century contemporary art, Haring paved the way for outsiders to achieve mainstream success.
   • Urban artists today, from Banksy to Shepard Fairey, draw inspiration from Haring’s career.

4. Unconventional Path to Art:

   • Haring’s journey into the art world was nontraditional.
   • He dropped out of commercial art studies, worked as a maintenance worker, and eventually had his first solo exhibition.
   • Bonds with graffiti writers like Jean-Michel Basquiat shaped his artistic development.

5. Subway as His Canvas:

   • Inspired by New York City’s burgeoning underground graffiti and street art scene, Haring used the subway as his “laboratory.”
   • His pop art drawings, distinct from traditional graffiti, captured the spirit of the era.

6. Legacy and Intersection with Basquiat:

   • Haring’s legacy thrives even after his untimely death in 1990 due to AIDS-related complications.
   • His life intersects with fellow artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, both leaving lasting impacts on contemporary art.