Keith Haring

1. Keith Haring is one of the most influential street artists and social activists of the 80's. Haring captured New York City street culture of the 1980's by painting subject matter of birth, death and war. In his murals he used a unique style of bold lines, vivid colours and organic shapes. His cartoon like style is now internationally recognized. Haring began drawing with chalk in New York City subways, but later moved to painting murals on the sides of buildings.

2. Keith's Haring's work is definitely unique, but it slightly resembles the work of Andy Warhol. Like Warhol, he liked to incorporate popular cultural symbols into his art. He also used the same colour palate. Both artists used extremely vibrant complimentary and contrasting colours. However the strong social messages that Banksy often incorporates in his artwork are similar to the work of Haring.

3. Haring's most successful work is his AIDS activism. Haring was diagnosed with AIDS in 1988. He later founded the Keith Haring Foundation, which provided funding and programs for AIDS. Many of his pieces promoted AIDS awareness. Haring was openly gay and promoted safe sex. He licensed many of his art to aids awareness campaigns.

4. Haring's work is extremely bold in his artistic style and in his messages. This is what makes street art the perfect medium for him. Street art is known for crossing the line and getting people's attention. By painting on the street Haring is also able to reach a large and diverse audience which would be impossible to reach if his work was solely in an art gallery.