THE REVIVAL: KEITH HARING (1958-1990)

For those that are aware of the artist Keith Haring, his work and his legacy within the art world, it seems as if the artist is in need of anything but a revival. Haring's work and pieces inspired by his work are, and will always be on display, but for younger generations (myself included), Haring is making what some would view as a comeback, on the fashion scene instead of the art scene. While I was not familiar with Haring as an artist, I was certainly familiar with his work. Upon viewing a documentary about the artist on QVTV, a channel dedicated to the arts, I realized that as a child growing up in the 80' and 90's, I had seen his work many times, particularly in one very important PSA about HIV/AIDS. From the documentary, The Universe of Keith Haring, I not only learned about Haring, his childhood, his rise to fame and the message he wanted to deliver through his art, but also that he was truly dedicated to art. Often you hear many artists of different types speak on their dedication to their craft, how they live and would die for their craft, but Haring, it seems took that saying to a whole other level. He was like some kind of super human art machine from another world, I do not believe that there is another major artist with a higher output of work than his. He produced so much work in such short periods of time that one of his friends, who participated in the documentary stated that they were fearful of his work becoming valueless at some point. When asked for an autograph, Haring would not simply sign his name, but do a drawing on whatever he could. His choices and substitute for a canvas were many, he would paint and draw on the bodies of his friends, the walls, outside or in the subway station, cars and other items that many often requested he leave his mark on. When I see the way in which many fashion designers are using Haring's iconic prints in their designs it kind of reminds me of the POP SHOP that he opened, which sold items anywhere from t-shirts to magnets with Haring's design on them, so that the masses would have access to his work. Most recently there was the Haring inspired collection by Patricia Field, which consisted of everything from bags, dresses and  t-shirts, the Tommy Hilfiger limited edition sneaker collection, and more recently the Noir Jewelry and Nicholas Kirkwood shoe collections. 

Photo by Chantal Regnault 1983

Clutch bags from the Patricia Field/Keith Haring Collection

 

Shoe installation from the Tommy Hilfiger limited-edition sneaker collection

The Nicholas Kirkwood/Haring inspired shoe collection (Collection is set to debut in February 2011)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

The Keith Haring inspired Noir Jewelry Collection (Available now)

 

 

Pieces as they appear above: Chain man earrings $55.00, Brazil cuff $175.00, Dancing man necklace $155.00, Double finger baby finger $100.00, Fallen angel necklace $125.00. Buy ar Noir Jewelry.com