Keith Haring–on this day, Feb. 16. . .

Keith Haring was a visionary visual pop artist whose work seemed to be everywhere in the 1980’s.



In 1982, Haring had his first New York one-man show at the Shafrazi Gallery.

Untitled, 1982
marker ink and acrylic on found canvas
86 x 86 inches
218.44 x 218.44 cm

Untitled, 1982
vinyl paint on vinyl tarp
72 x 72 inches
182.88 x 182.88 centimeters



Haring opened Pop Shop in New York City in 1986. The store sold posters, t-shirts, and other items baring his artwork and designs. He was also interested many social causes, painting an anti-drug mural that same year. In all, he did more than 50 public works and held numerous workshops for children. In 1988, Haring discovered that he had AIDS. The next year he created the Keith Haring Foundation to support AIDS organizations and children’s programs.



Sadly, Keith Haring died on this day, February 16th in 1990 at the age of 31. Click on this link to read more about the fascinating life and brilliant, though sadly short-lived, career of this influential artist here.