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Keith Haring

Keith Haring (1958-1990) Untitled, 1982, Dayglo Paint and Ink on Paper

Born in 1958, Keith Haring emerged onto the New York art scene in the 1980s, initially composing graffiti art for the underground subways, eager to create socially relevant art accessible to everyone. One of his most iconic displays of graffiti states the phrase “Crack is Whack,” confronting the people of New York City with a discourse of relevant public issues, differing from typical graffiti of the time. He quickly became renowned for his collaborative approach and political activism, complimented by a simpler visual language emulated from his daily life and the culture he surrounded himself with. Haring became one of the most famous pop artists of his time, regrettably dying of AIDS in the 1990s. This work, Untitled, 1982, was a part of one of his most well-known gallery shows with Tony Shaffrazi in 1982, featured in the basement gallery. Exemplified by the contrast of the black paint against the neon yellow, a break dancer is rendered utilizing his simple stylized figures.

Lilly Reed '23

For this Focus Series, we are fortunate to have Brooke Shields, famed actress, model, and proud mother in conversation with her daughter Rowan Henchy, Wake Forest class of 2025.

Brooke was a close friend of Keith Haring. Brooke was kind enough to share memorable anecdotes of Keith and his contributions that have left an indelible mark on Pop Art.

The FOCUS series features one artwork per month from the Wake Forest University Art Collections. Reflections from students, faculty, staff and alumni are encouraged. To include your voice in the dialogue, contact artcollections@wfu.edu.

Mark H. Reece Collection of Student-Acquired Contemporary Art, CU1985.3.1

©Keith Haring Foundation
www.wakethearts.wfu.edu