Description

Keith Haring Marker and Watercolor Painting ‘SOS TV’ 

Authentic original marker and watercolor painting

Titled : ‘SOS TV’

Hand signed in center image

Overall size : 29,7 cm x 21 cm

Approved by the Keith Haring Estate (seal)

Stamped extra by the New York Art Gallery

Absolute mint condition

Information on Keith Haring

Keith Haring, born on May 4, 1958, in Reading, Pennsylvania, and taken from us far too soon on February 16, 1990, in New York City, was an American artist who left an indelible mark on the world of contemporary art. His life and work are celebrated for their unique style, social activism, and enduring influence.

Haring’s journey as an artist began with a passion for drawing and a desire to express himself through art. He initially honed his skills at the Ivy School of Professional Art in Pittsburgh and later pursued his artistic dreams in the bustling art scene of New York City, enrolling at the School of Visual Arts in 1978.

In the 1980s, Keith Haring rose to prominence with his distinctive visual language. His art was characterized by bold, energetic lines, vibrant colors, and simplified, often cartoon-like figures. Dancing figures, radiant babies, barking dogs, and other recurring symbols filled his canvases and public murals, becoming instantly recognizable and resonating with a wide audience.

Haring’s artistic journey was intrinsically linked to his social and political convictions. He utilized his art as a potent tool to address critical issues of the time, such as AIDS awareness, apartheid, drug addiction, and nuclear disarmament. His work conveyed messages of hope, love, and unity, transcending language and cultural barriers.

The New York City subway system became a canvas for Haring’s early work. His chalk drawings on unused advertising panels in subway stations garnered attention, becoming integral to the city’s underground art scene. This exposure helped him amass a dedicated following and paved the way for greater recognition.

In 1986, Haring took a bold step by opening the “Pop Shop” in New York City. This retail store allowed him to make his art more accessible to a broader audience by selling it in various forms, from posters to T-shirts and other merchandise.

Keith Haring’s impact extended far beyond the United States. He created public murals and installations in cities across the world, including Berlin, Paris, Tokyo, and Melbourne. His art transcended geographic and cultural boundaries, solidifying his status as a global art icon.

Haring’s enduring legacy lives on through the Keith Haring Foundation, established shortly before his untimely death. The foundation continues to support organizations and initiatives focused on AIDS awareness, children’s programs, and the arts, carrying forward his commitment to social change through art.

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Keith Haring was an openly gay man and a prominent advocate for AIDS awareness and research. Diagnosed with AIDS in 1988, he used his art to raise funds and awareness, shining a light on the epidemic’s devastating impact.

Though Keith Haring’s career was tragically brief, his impact on the art world remains profound. His art is celebrated in major museums and galleries worldwide, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Tate Modern in London.

Keith Haring’s work continues to inspire artists, scholars, and art enthusiasts globally. His legacy is a testament to the power of art as a force for change, a source of expression, and a symbol of hope and unity in the face of adversity.