Haring’s first major west coast exhibition in almost two decades, the exhibit consists of a variety of pieces that transport one back into the predominant social issues of that era. —Sally Lao
A key figure of 80’s street culture, Keith Haring’s art and social activism drew him vast recognition from people across the world. His talent of being able to clearly communicate his ideas to the general public, in addition to being an advocate for the accessibility of his art, earned him the attention of those such as Madonna, Andy Warhol, and Jean Michel Basquiat. By creating his pieces in public places such as subways and community murals, as well as advertising with companies, for example Absolut Vodka, Haring was catapulted to international stardom.
Haring’s first major west coast exhibition in almost two decades, the exhibit consists of a variety of pieces that transport one back into the predominant social issues of that era. While walking through the show, allowing myself to become engulfed in his art, I felt as though Haring had so excellently conveyed the sense of being bombarded with consumerism, social norms and problems, that I myself, started to feel suffocated between it all. I found that I often had to take a step back in order to be able to breathe as I was becoming drowned by the size as well as details of the paintings. Once I did, I was able to obtain a better understanding of the messages he was trying to convey, as his art in the greater sense, was quite simplistic. I immediately understood his ideas and concerns as I’m sure the public did when they first saw his pieces lining the walls and posters of the subway stations in the 80’s.
The show is currently being held at the de Young museum in San Francisco and can be viewed until February 16th. Including over 130 works as well as some that have not been published since Haring’s death, the pieces have finely-created a narration of his perspectives on racism, environmental degradation, as well as excess consumerism and capitalism. The exhibit itself steeps into your wallet a bit more than if you were to only view the other exhibits ($6-$10 versus $15-$25), however if you’re looking to get inspired or just want to see a great show, I’d highly recommend Keith Haring: The Political Line.
Haring’s first major west coast exhibition in almost two decades, the exhibit consists of a variety of pieces that transport one back into the predominant social issues of that era. While walking through the show, allowing myself to become engulfed in his art, I felt as though Haring had so excellently conveyed the sense of being bombarded with consumerism, social norms and problems, that I myself, started to feel suffocated between it all. I found that I often had to take a step back in order to be able to breathe as I was becoming drowned by the size as well as details of the paintings. Once I did, I was able to obtain a better understanding of the messages he was trying to convey, as his art in the greater sense, was quite simplistic. I immediately understood his ideas and concerns as I’m sure the public did when they first saw his pieces lining the walls and posters of the subway stations in the 80’s.
The show is currently being held at the de Young museum in San Francisco and can be viewed until February 16th. Including over 130 works as well as some that have not been published since Haring’s death, the pieces have finely-created a narration of his perspectives on racism, environmental degradation, as well as excess consumerism and capitalism. The exhibit itself steeps into your wallet a bit more than if you were to only view the other exhibits ($6-$10 versus $15-$25), however if you’re looking to get inspired or just want to see a great show, I’d highly recommend Keith Haring: The Political Line.