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Keith Haring's birth

Keith Haring was born in Reading, Pennsylvania on May 4, 1958, and grew up in nearby Kutztown. He developed a love for drawing at a young age and learned basic comic book techniques from his father and the popular culture around him, such as Dr. Seuss and Walt Disney.

Keith Haring's school career

After graduating from high school in 1976, Haring attended the Ivy Professional School of Art in Pittsburgh, a commercial art school. He quickly realized that he was not interested in becoming a commercial graphic artist and dropped out after two semesters. In Pittsburgh, Haring continued to study and create his work and held his first solo exhibition at the Pittsburgh Arts and Crafts Center in 1978.

Later that year, Haring moved to New York City and attended the School of Visual Arts (SVA). In New York, Haring discovered a thriving alternative arts community that was developing in downtown streets, subway stations, and clubs and former dance halls outside of the gallery and museum system. Here, he became friends with artists Kenny Scharf and Jean-Michel Basquiat, as well as other musicians, performance artists, and graffiti artists who were part of the emerging art scene. Haring was swept up in the energy and spirit of this scene and began organizing and participating in exhibitions and performances at 57 Club and other alternative venues.

In addition to being influenced by the innovation and vitality of his contemporaries, Haring was also inspired by the work of Jean Dubuffet, Pierre Alechinsky, William Burroughs, Brion Gysin, and Robert Henri's "The Spirit of Art," which asserted the essential independence of the artist. Under these influences, Haring could channel his youthful impulses into a unique graphic expression based on the primacy of the line. He was also drawn to the public and participatory nature of Christo's work, particularly "The Running Fence," and the way Andy Warhol blended art and life in his work. Haring was determined to dedicate his career to creating true public art.

As a student at SVA, Haring experimented with performance, video, installation, and collage while remaining steadfastly committed to painting. In 1980, Haring discovered a highly effective medium in the subway that allowed him to communicate with a wider audience than he desired. He noticed an unused advertisement panel covered with matte black paper and began creating drawings with white chalk on these blank panels throughout the subway system. Between 1980 and 1985, Haring created hundreds of these public paintings, sometimes creating as many as 40 "subway paintings" in a single day. The seamless flow of these images became familiar to New York commuters, and they often stopped to engage with the artist when they encountered him at work. The subway became Haring's so-called "laboratory" where he could work out his ideas and experiment with his simple line.

Keith Haring's art career

Between 1980 and 1989, Haring gained international recognition and participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions. His first solo exhibition in New York was held at the Westbeth Painters Space in 1981. In 1982, he held a highly popular and critically acclaimed solo exhibition at the Tony Shafrazi Gallery, making his debut at a SoHo gallery. During this period, he also participated in renowned international survey exhibitions such as the 7th Documenta in Kassel; the Biennale de São Paulo; and the Whitney Biennial. Haring also completed numerous public projects during the 1980s, ranging from animations for Spectacolor billboards in Times Square, set and backdrop designs for theater and clubs, designing watches for Swatch, and creating an advertising campaign for Absolut Vodka; to creating murals around the world.

In 1986, Haring opened The Pop Shop, a retail store in SoHo that sold T-shirts, toys, posters, buttons, and magnets featuring his images. Haring saw the store as an extension of his work, and he painted an abstract, black-and-white mural throughout the interior of the store, creating a striking and unique retail environment. The store was intended to make his work more accessible to the public, which could now be obtained at a lower cost on products. The store was met with criticism from some in the art world, however, Haring remained committed to his desire to reach as wide an audience as possible with his work and was supported by friends, fans, and mentors, including Andy Warhol.

Throughout his career, Haring dedicated much of his time to creating public works that often conveyed social messages. He created over 50 public artworks between 1982 and 1989 in dozens of cities around the world, many of which were created for charities, hospitals, daycare centers, and orphanages. The now-famous Crack is Wack mural became a landmark along FDR Drive in New York in 1986. Other projects included; a mural created for the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty in 1986, which Haring collaborated on with 900 children; a mural outside the Necker Children's Hospital in Paris, France in 1987; and a mural painted three years before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Haring also conducted painting workshops for children in schools and museums and created images for numerous literacy programs and other public service activities.

In 1988, Haring was diagnosed with AIDS. In 1989, he established the Keith Haring Foundation, whose mission was to provide funding and imagery for AIDS organizations and children's programs and to expand the reach of Haring's work through exhibitions, publications, and the licensing of his images. In the final years of his life, Haring used his images to speak about his illness and inspire action and awareness around AIDS.

Haring's work was featured in over 100 solo and group exhibitions in the 1980s during his brief and intense career. In 1986 alone, he was the subject of over 40 newspaper and magazine articles. He was highly sought after, participating in various collaborative projects and collaborating with artists and performers such as Madonna, Grace Jones, Bill T. Jones, William Burroughs, Timothy Leary, Jenny Holzer, Yoko Ono, and Andy Warhol.

By expressing universal concepts such as birth, death, love, sex, and war through the primacy of line and the directness of his messaging, Haring was able to engage a broad audience and ensure the accessibility and lasting impact of his images, which have become recognized as a visual language of the 20th century.

Keith Haring's death

On February 16, 1990, Haring passed away due to AIDS-related complications at the age of 31. A memorial service for him was held at St. John the Divine Cathedral in New York with over 1,000 people in attendance.

Since his death, Haring has been the subject of several international retrospective exhibitions. The works of Keith Haring can be seen in exhibitions and collections at major museums around the world.

"Art is for everybody" is a quote by Keith Haring, an American artist known for his graffiti-like pop art. Haring believed that art should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or social status. He wanted to break down the barriers that often exist between the artist and the viewer and make art a more inclusive and democratic experience.

Haring's work often featured simple, bold lines and the use of bright colors, which made his art easily recognizable and accessible. He also used his art to address social and political issues, such as AIDS awareness and queer rights, making it a form of activism as well as a means of self-expression.

This quote reflects Haring's philosophy that art has the power to bring people together and communicate important messages. It also emphasizes the idea that art is not just for the elite or those with formal training, but for everyone to enjoy and be inspired by. Do you have a favorite piece of art that has had an impact on you? I'd love to hear about it!

Keith Haring's Self Portrait is a famous painting by the American artist Keith Haring. This painting is one of Haring's most recognizable works and features his unique style of graffiti-like lines and symbols.

In the Self Portrait, Haring depicts himself with a simplified, cartoon-like style. He uses bold lines and bright colors to create a dynamic and lively image of himself. Haring's use of symbols in the painting, such as the heart and the arrow, adds to the overall impact of the piece and conveys a sense of energy and movement.

The Self Portrait is not only a representation of Haring's appearance but also a reflection of his personality and artistic style. Through this painting, Haring expresses his creativity, playfulness, and love for art. It has become an iconic image of the artist and is widely recognized and admired by art lovers around the world.

Keith Haring's Self Portrait

Keith Haring's Portrait By Others

Keith Haring Painting by Kascho

Keith Haring painting by Gabriel Paul Bustos

"Everybody draws when they are little" is a quote by Keith Haring that highlights the universal nature of drawing as a form of self-expression. It suggests that drawing is a natural activity for children, as it allows them to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and imaginations.

This quote can be seen as an acknowledgment of the importance of creativity and self-expression from a very early age. Drawing provides a means for children to explore their inner worlds, develop their motor skills, and gain a sense of confidence in their ability to create.

Furthermore, it implies that the act of drawing is not limited to a select few but is accessible to everyone. Regardless of background or artistic talent, everyone has the potential to engage in the process of drawing and find joy and fulfillment in it.

Haring himself was known for his unique and vibrant style of graffiti art, which often incorporated simple yet powerful imagery. By emphasizing that "everybody draws when they are little," he may be encouraging others to embrace their creativity and not be afraid to express themselves through art, regardless of their level of skill or training.

Do you have any fond memories of drawing or creating art when you were younger? It's always interesting to hear about people's experiences with art and how it has influenced them.

"Art is nothing if you don't reach every segment of the people." This quote by Keith Haring emphasizes the importance of art reaching and impacting all sections of society. Haring believed that art should be inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

He saw art as a powerful means of communication that can transcend boundaries and connect people on a universal level. By reaching every segment of the people, art can have a broader influence, inspire change, and bring people together.

Haring himself was known for creating public artworks in various settings, making his messages visible to a wide range of audiences. He wanted to use art as a platform to raise awareness about social issues and give a voice to marginalized communities.

This quote also highlights the idea that art has the potential to empower and engage individuals, fostering a sense of collective identity and shared experience. It reminds us of the responsibility artists have in creating work that resonates with diverse audiences and can touch the lives of many.

Do you have any examples of art that has had a widespread impact or reached a diverse audience? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

"Nothing is important, so everything is important." This quote by Keith Haring can be interpreted in a few ways. On one level, it might suggest that in the grand scheme of things, nothing has inherent significance or value. However, by extension, this means that everything becomes equally important or meaningful.

It could be seen as a commentary on the relative nature of importance and how it is subjective. What one person deems important might not be the same for another. This quote might encourage a more open and inclusive perspective, where nothing is dismissed as unimportant and everything has the potential to hold significance.

Another interpretation could be that by realizing that nothing is inherently important, we can free ourselves from the pressure of placing excessive significance on specific things. This can lead to a more lighthearted and liberated approach to life, where we appreciate and find value in the small details and everyday experiences.

Haring's quote might also reflect his own philosophy of using art to bring attention to various issues and subjects that are often overlooked or deemed unimportant. Through his art, he might have been trying to show that even the seemingly trivial or overlooked aspects of life can have importance and deserve attention.

What do you think of this quote? Does it resonate with you or offer a different perspective on what is considered important in life?

"Art should be something that liberates your soul." This quote by Keith Haring emphasizes the transformative and empowering nature of art. He believed that art has the potential to free our souls from constraints and limitations, allowing for self-expression and emotional release.

Art can provide a platform for individuals to explore their creativity, express their innermost thoughts and feelings, and break free from societal expectations or inhibitions. It can offer a sense of liberation and freedom, enabling us to connect with our true selves and find solace and inspiration.

Haring himself used his art as a means of self-expression and social commentary, often addressing issues such as sexuality, AIDS, and social inequality. His work was known for its bold colors, dynamic forms, and messages of liberation and acceptance.

This quote suggests that art should have the ability to uplift and inspire, touch our souls, and evoke emotions. It encourages artists to create works that have the potential to liberate the viewer, whether it be through beauty, innovation, or by challenging preconceived notions.

Do you have a particular art form or piece that you find liberating or that allows you to express yourself freely?

" The best reason to paint is that there is no reason to paint." This quote by Keith Haring highlights the idea that the act of creating art doesn't necessarily need a specific motivation or justification. It suggests that the pure joy and instinctual desire to paint can be the greatest reason to engage in the artistic process.

Haring may be suggesting that sometimes, the act of painting or creating art can come from a place of pure passion, intuition, or an inner drive. It doesn't have to be driven by external factors such as a commission, a specific theme, or the need for a rational explanation.

This quote embraces the notion that creativity can be spontaneous and organic, flowing from within without the need for a clear purpose or reason. It emphasizes the importance of following one's creative impulses and allowing the process to unfold naturally.

Haring himself was known for his spontaneous and energetic approach to creating art, often using simple yet vibrant forms and symbols to convey his messages. This quote aligns with his free-spirited and uninhibited style of expression.

Do you agree with this sentiment? Do you find that sometimes the best creative endeavors happen when you let go of having a specific reason or agenda?

"Whatever you want to do, the only secret is to believe in it." This quote by Keith Haring emphasizes the importance of having faith and belief in oneself and one's goals. Haring suggests that believing in what you want to do is the key to achieving it.

Believing in something gives you the motivation and determination to pursue it with passion and perseverance. It helps you overcome doubts, challenges, and setbacks along the way. When you have a strong belief in your purpose, you are more likely to take the necessary steps and make the necessary sacrifices to make it happen.

This quote also highlights the power of positive thinking and a mindset of possibility. By believing in your dreams and aspirations, you open yourself up to opportunities and potential that might otherwise remain unseen.

Haring himself was a testament to the power of belief. Despite facing various obstacles and criticism, he remained steadfast in his belief in his art and its ability to make a difference.

Do you have a goal or something you truly believe in? How has belief played a role in your endeavors?

Created in 1983,  Monteux is hand-signed by Keith Haring (Reading, 1958 – New York, 1990) in pencil in the bottom right margin and numbered from the edition of 80.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Keith Haring Monteux, 1983 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalog raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices accompanying the work's sale).

1. Littmann, Klaus. Keith Haring: Editions on Paper 1982-1990 (The Complete Printed Works). Germany: Hatje Cantz Publishers, 1993. Listed and illustrated on pages. 24 and 25.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Keith Haring Montreux, 1983 is presented in a complementary molding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical-grade Plexiglas.