Keith Haring:

December 1, 2018 is International AIDS Day and we can’t help but remember all those who have lost the battle against the virus that has caused thousands of deaths around the world over the last few decades.

The LGBT community is no exception, one of the famous artists who fell victim and passed all too soon was the artist, Keith Haring. In honor of him, we want to remember his life and work.

Keith Haring was not only an artist, but an avid social activist who was known worldwide for both his artwork and activism. His art was inspired by the street culture of New York and is a perfect reflection of the spirit of pop culture. His paintings reflect everything from the life, death and struggles of the street culture in NYC, to love and sex. His paintings are the result of the influence of his father, a cartoonist and the genius of Walt Disney.

"The drawings had became almost a vocabulary" said Keith Haring, and the study of semiotics led him to build true works of art. Haring's work is easy to recognize and you’ve surely seen more than one of his paintings. 

In addition, many other LGBT artists and activists have created drawings and other inspired works from Haring’s original art. 

He was a genius! 

His work was an inspiration for many members of the LGBT community who admired his legacy.  On several occasions, Haring was invited to social benefit events, including auctions to raise funds for the struggle against HIV/AIDS.

On February 16, 1990, Keith Haring joined the list of those who lost the battle against HIV / AIDS at the young age of 31. Only a year prior, the artist created the foundation that bears his name to raise funds that are destined in support of organizations working to end HIV/AIDS as well as various social programs. 

For these actions and his work, Haring will always be loved and remembered and he will continue to be a lasting inspiration the LGBT community that admires him so much.

Photo: Hotbook