Keith Haring, an artist known for his active campaigning for social justice, developed his practice during a time of major social change. His art reflected various societal issues and drew inspiration from New York City street culture in the 1980s, using iconography from graffiti and pop art movements. He frequently utilized recurring subjects like dancing human figures, barking dogs, flying saucers, and heart motifs.
One of Haring’s most famous works is Untitled created in 1980. The painting features a bold linear style depicting three interacting figures set against a black background. The central figure is made up of two bodies intertwined in an embrace highlighting the themes of togetherness and unity.
Haring was influenced by pre-Columbian art, music videos and the velvet paintings he saw while traveling throughout Brazil. This particular work displays influences present through much of his other artwork as well such as contrast in color scheme with a focus on black and white lines highlighting movement and playfulness.
Haring used multiple mediums to communicate messages about social issues including posters promoting nuclear disarmament or safe sex education campaigns such as “Ignorance = Fear” directly addressing AIDS awareness issues that were affecting New Yorkers at the time. He opened up his own Pop Shop which allowed for people to own pieces inspired by high art at affordable prices which served as another bridge between class divides through accessible artwork.
