(1958-1990)

Born in 1958 in Pennsylvania, Keith Haring became internationally known for his pop art and social activism. Haring studied graphic design before moving to New York City where he was inspired by graffiti art to study at the School of Visual Arts. Keith Haring was first publicly recognized for his chalk drawings in subways throughout New York. It was his bold lines and vivid colors that made his work stand out. His first solo exhibition was at the Tony Shafrazi Gallery in New York.

The work Haring displayed and took pride in concerned his views and thoughts on birth, death, love, sex and war. He began painting murals all over the world, including the Berlin Wall. Later in his career he began focusing on socio-political themes such as AIDS awareness and the cocaine epidemic. Keith Haring was diagnosed with AIDS in 1988 which would eventually lead to his death in 1990.

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