Pop Shop V, Plate II

Keith Haring (May 4, 1958 – February 16, 1990) was an American artist and social activist whose work emerged from the New York City graffiti subculture of the 1980s. Renowned for his bold lines, bright colours, and active figures, Haring's art carries powerful messages about life, love, and death.Early Life and EducationBorn in Reading, Pennsylvania, Haring moved to New York City in 1978 to attend the School of Visual Arts. There, he honed his artistic skills and immersed himself in the city's vibrant street culture.Artistic CareerHaring first gained attention with chalk drawings in unused advertising panels of subway stations, transforming these spaces into dynamic public art venues. His work is often associated with Pop Art and graffiti, featuring recurring motifs like radiant babies, barking dogs, and dancing figures. Beyond subway art, Haring held exhibitions worldwide and created public murals, including the famous "Crack is Wack" mural in Harlem. In 1986, he opened the Pop Shop in New York City, aiming to make his art accessible to a broader audience by selling merchandise featuring his designs. This move sparked debate about art commercialization, but Haring defended it as a means to democratize art.LegacyHaring's influence extends beyond his art; he played a pivotal role in bringing street culture into the mainstream art world.