Haring, Keith

Keith Haring’s artworks are characterized by clear forms, black outlines, and bold, flat colors; perspective and shading play hardly any role. His simple, rounded, faceless figures are difficult to describe, yet unmistakable in their own way. This applies to his many drawings, his graffiti, and also to his sculptures.

Haring began drawing in the New York City subway in the 1980s. His art was deliberately public, direct, and accessible to everyone, not just galleries. Despite its seemingly playful form, the artist addressed serious issues such as racism, social inequality, violence, and AIDS, from which he suffered himself. For his friend Andy Warhol, he painted an Andy Mouse, a hybrid of Warhol and Mickey Mouse.