Keith Haring

(1958-1990)

American painter, whose simple, symbol-like drawings of dogs, babies, and dancing figures brought him international acclaim in the 1980s. Keith Haring grew up in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. He attended the Ivy School of Professional Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and had his first exhibition at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts in 1978.

Haring's work is informed by diverse sources, including the popular appeal of American artist Andy Warhol and others in the pop art movement; the rhythm and movements in African, Cuban, and hip-hop dancing; and Afro-Cuban body painting. In 1988 Haring was diagnosed with AIDS, and during the remaining two years of his life he devoted much of his energy to educating the public about AIDS and drug abuse.

Keith Haring’s famous paintings include:

• Moses and the Burning Bush
• The Last Rainforest
• Best Bodies
• Safe Sex