Keith Haring: Great Art Explained

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Haring had championed the poster format as a traditional form of political activism. He saw in them the immediacy which we now think of when we think of his aesthetic.

It was in 1982 that he created one of his first posters. He printed and paid for 30,000 of them, which he gave out for free during an anti-nuclear protest in New York. He would use his platform to get us talking about socio-political issues often ignored, by employing a tradition used by political agitators since printing began.

I would like to thank all my Patreon supporters, in particular Adriana Nemet, Alan Stewart, Alexander Velser, Alyssa Phillips, Anja Zeutschel, Bria Nicole Art, David Asabreu, Christa Sawyer, Eric Mann, Erique K, Griffin Evans, Hugo Moita, Jemma Theivendran, Julio Cardenas, Karim Hopper, Kibibi Shaw, Louise Tait, Monte St Johns, New Curiosity, Paul Ark, Paul Waterman, Pavel Juszczyk, Sean Welgemoed, Stephen Beresford, Tanya Moore, Theresa Garfink, Toni Ko, Tyler Wittreich and Will Dew's-Power.

"What a brilliant series this is" - Stephen Fry on Twitter 12 December 2020

SUBTITLES

French Subtitles by Lilou Selig
Spanish Subtitles by Alma Perdomo

CREDITS


Sound Mix by Oscar Sidoff Rydelius (Thank you!)

All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel do not claim any right over them.

BOOKS
Keith Haring: The Story of His Life by Paolo Parisi
Keith Haring Journals by Keith Haring
Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody by Sarah Loyer
Keith Haring Paperback by Darren Pih
After Silence: A History of AIDS Through its Images by Avram Finkelstein

MUSIC

All works are © Keith Haring / The Keith Haring Foundation©

Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

[MarkLiversedge]

One of those artists that is instantly recognisable, but never looked into or really "got". You fixed that James. Thank you.

[smartgirl]

My parents are the same age as Keith Haring would have been (65 this year, they were all born in 1958) and they both lived in New York during the 80’s, when he was active as an artist. Both of my parents have said that he, more than any other artist of that era, perfectly captured what The City was like back then. It captured the energy and electricity on one end and the fear and righteous anger on the other. His pieces are the closest thing we have to time capsules of New York during the AIDS Epidemic and the Reagan years.

[kylesmitheram]

I remember his art being kind of everywhere as a kid. It really embodied the 90s in a way no other artist really has. You'd see his art or imitations in music videos, and interstitials and stingers on MTV or other places. The bright colors bled into the fashion even, especially in the early 90s. It's a shame he passed so young, because his message was so simple that even as a kid you kind of got it. Just be cool, love each other, have fun, live life, let others live theirs.

[treadhead]

Every time I think "I could not love these videos more", Boom, you prove me wrong. We need Keith today.

[kathleenwalsh]

I was working as a nurse in the late 70’s on a cancer unit when young men started being admitted with unusual cancerous lesions. We all talked about it -how young they all were dying from something so cruel and unusual. The diagnosis was elusive. Thank you for your bringing those difficult times to the forefront and thank you to Keith Haring and his courage. RIP Keith

[emman]

That last quote really hits hard knowing how popular his pieces still are today. I mean I see so many people wearing his designs on shirts and hoodies. It really is amazing.

[ethon]

The People's Champion, always admired his accessibility, bravery and compassion. Long Live Keith

[marklutz]

In the still photo of Keith standing with Basquiat and Scharf, the younster in the hat and shades is Angel Ortiz. He was a regular collaborator of Keiths. He was like an adopted little brother to Haring. Most of the lines indicating motion in the pieces are concocted by Ortiz. This man has gotten little if any credit for his talent. He is a legendary Lower East Side street artist. Went by the moniker of LAII. He spent alot of time in the shadows and was privy to the machinations of the nyc art world in the 80s. Respect where it is due.

[Nosh_Feratu]

this was awesome to see, Haring is far too often overlooked or derided as overly simplistic but they simply misunderstand his work...
Its so great that you made this and acknowledge his importance, thanks.

[actionforanimals]

He is an inspiration, a humanitarian, and a hero.

[victoriamyst]

Ever since I found your channel, I’ve been saying that your films are way better than BBC documentaries, National Geographic and Viasat History features combined… I hope it doesn’t sound lame… It’s the level of professionalism in your films integrated with utterly captivating narration and passion breathed into every video created that make them the best there are.
Looking forward to the next one. 🥰

[josecorchete]

One of the most influential artists of the pop era. A visionary and a genius creator. I sincerely admire him.

[azamobilly]

Around 10 years ago I was looking for an artist with a body of work that would be appealing and exciting for my 5 year old pupils to learn about. I stumbled on Keith Haring and fell in love with his artwork and his life story. Since then every year I show my class some of the most fun, joyful works in his repertoire and teach simply about this loving, generous man who wanted art to be available for all, and who gave so much of himself to others in need. Every year the response to the artwork is joyful and full of laughter. The work is simple enough for the children to reproduce in their own way and my class becomes a bright, vibrant space for a few weeks. I have so much respect for this man and I keenly feel the tragedy of his early death. So tragic that this most tolerant and caring individual was doomed to early death by the intolerance and bigotry of mainstream society at that time. Sadly, those attitudes seem to be having a resurgence in this present moment.

[kategan]

Consider it tuition. This is by far the most valuable education I've ever received.

Thank you for your generosity in sharing your knowledge, and this amazing art, with us.

[GreatArtExplained]

Please remember to like and comment - it REALLY helps to promote the video and the channel, and I read and appreciate every comment! Thanks, James

[jajajinks]

I loved this episode, thank you for making these

[seriouslywhatever]

I'd never heard of this man before. Thank you for teaching me something new today. Can't wait for more videos! Gem of a channel ❤

[BriManeely]

Hard not to feel impacted by this. I wish I understood the intensity and power behind his work when I was a kid, but I'm glad to understand it now. Thank you for the education!

[mjacobs]

So glad you covered Keith Haring. I knew little about him though I have often admired his art. I knew that he died young but little more. His art is so simple-looking but so evocative and expressive. What a gift he had. I wish he would have lived longer.

[mrgalactus]

This was brilliantly told and very emotional. I love Keith Haring and have some of his work on me at all times. Great work