Keith Haring was undeniably the reason why Art History was my favorite subject in college. I was 19 years old, and completely ready for Pop Art.
At the time, I was learning so much about this New York based artist movement, and admired the work of so many people, but what Keith was doing really stood out to me. His message advocating homosexual and A.I.D.S.
awareness at a time when people had so little information and acceptance
of such topics, made what he was doing so important.
As I have disclosed in a prior post, HIV VACCINE?, H.I.V. and A.I.D.S. was something I had to deal with on a very personal level, but somehow the work of Keith Haring made this challenge less difficult.
And today, (eleven years later!!!), I had the exclusive opportunity to visit Keith Haring's artist studio...where before he died, he spent hours on end painting those images.
As I walked around the space, that is now inhabited by the Keith Haring Foundation, I noticed little details of splattered paint still on the walls and floor. Each boasting a bright color and radical shape.
The people who work there were so kind to me! All with an obvious passion for what they do and understanding of my excitement for what I was seeing! Even the entryway of the building was covered in Keith's paintings...all original like the old Pop Shop.
If you'd like to learn more about Keith's work, visit his website here! You can purchase cute t-shirts and books, etc, too!
If you'd like to learn more about Keith's work, visit his website here! You can purchase cute t-shirts and books, etc, too!
Today was really special. I feel so alive with inspiration! Many THANK YOUS to the Keith Haring Foundation for giving me this gift today.
3 comments:
I am so thrilled that you were able to have this experience and share it on your blog. Way to go for taking the time out to celebrate something important to you. That's awesome. I can't wait to hear more soon. The only other thing I can add is that you've had that Keith keychain for over half of your life! May it live on! :)
Thanks for sharing! What a great opportunnity to see where Haring's art was created. I had the chance to see an exhibit of his work at the Ontario Art Museum. It was fascinating. I didn't know much about him until then. I love his images and how he dealt with serous issues through pop art.
My Haring key chain is what started this adventure in the first place!!! So cool you remember that, Shannon! Thanks for reading. :)
Jean! I am obsessed with pop art and LOVE your article about tights. Tights are my absolute favorite accessory and I probably have pop art to thank for that! ;)
You're absolutely right...the simplicity of his art happened at a really important time in American history. He dealt with some MAJOR issues and made such a positive impact on people all over the world.
Have you gotten into Jean-Michel Basquiat at all? A Brooklyn artist of the same time period who became a friend of Keith.
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