America Today x Keith Haring
When you think of New York-based artists, Keith Haring definitely comes to mind. His political statements, graffiti-inspired style, and iconic linework you immediately are what make his art so recognizable. The man was a legend, and you can wear it with America Today.
The start of a legend
The man of the hour, Keith Haring, was born on the 4th of May 1958, in Reading, Pennsylvania. Creativity runs in the fam, his dad was a cartoonist and illustrated multiple comics. So Haring was into art from early on. He got inspired by cartoons, graffiti artists and big names such as Andy Warhol. His bachelor's at the Ivy School of Professional Art in Pittsburgh? He didn't finish. His first exhibition, however, was iconic from the get-go. It set the tone for what was to come: abstract figures that fell in eachother infinitely, which he could fill huge spaces with. Art by Keith Haring was immediately recognizable. At the end of the 70's, our man moved to New York. Here he attended school at the School of Visual Arts.
All eyes on Keith
Vandalism? We'd rather call it letting his creative juices flow! Just like graffiti-artists, Haring started by drawing his art on empty billboards in the New York subwaystations. It was easy to spot his art because of this, and Haring gained an underground following soon after. Aside from drawings in the subway, it was quite notable that Haring saw every object as a form of art. He found it important that everyone could enjoy art, not just the elite. This is why his art didn't only appear on big canvases, but was also seen on merch like mugs, buttons, and T-shirts. These were sold for a good price. Haring had a lot of high-profile friends. Keith Haring was spotted often with Basquiat, Grace Jones and Madonna.
Inspiring the new generations
Where is the love? With his happy colors and busy cartoons, Haring knew how to grab your attention. But his art is more than just a drawing. He explored his homosexuality through his illustrations, collages and paintings. He also tended to give off a political message through his art, about drugs and apartheid for example. In 1988 he went public with the fact that he had AIDS. He used this as a topic for his art during this time. Keith Haring died on the 16th of February 1990, because of his illness. He was 32 years old.
Wear the art
30 Years after his passing, Keith Haring's art and political messages are still as relevant as ever. At America Today we are obsessed with Haring's art, graffiti and message. So, are you're a fan of New York and do you want to wear the NY Classics? Don't miss out on this collection. Get inspired by Haring's legacy and wear a statement. Go for a cool T-shirt or rock a comfortable sweater with designs by the man himself.
