The Continuing Legacy of Keith Haring

Photo Courtesy: Nationaal Archeif

You’ve seen them on t-shirts, button badges, and as murals on the sides of buildings. Thick erratic lines, usually in the form of human figures or dogs, often brightly coloured and accompanied by a political message. These are the works of Keith Haring. Why is his art so popular? Are big companies just using it to sell trendy pieces of clothing? Or is the world fulfilling Haring’s wishes by keeping his memory alive?

33 years on from his death, his work is easily recognisable and ever-present. As works of pop art, their simple shapes and contrasting colours convey a pleasant childlike quality which catches the eye and has raised smiles for decades. Their ongoing reproduction demonstrates that the world has not forgotten Keith Haring and it won’t do so anytime soon.

Haring found a home in New York City in the late 70s, where his subway murals gained him notoriety among the public. His work soon found a place in official exhibitions and displays, allowing him to form connections with major stars like Madonna, Grace Jones, and Andy Warhol. In just a single decade he became one of the most recognisable artists of his time, creating iconic designs for figures such as David Bowie and being featured in significant exhibitions like the 1984 and 1986 Venice Biennale. 

But Haring also recognised how art could be used for social and political means. He didn’t just create for the public or celebrities to enjoy his work, he created to make his voice heard on major social issues such as drug abuse, the AIDS epidemic, nuclear weapons, and apartheid. One of his most famous pieces the 1989 Ignorance = Fear poster proudly displayed the slogan of the AIDS organisation ACT UP which helped the group maintain its visibility and prominence while also criticising the public silence on the topic.

Since his death in 1990, Haring’s memory has continued to thrive. His Foundation continues to donate to help underprivileged children and towards HIV/AIDS related causes, through merchandise and collaborations with big brands such as Adidas. Furthermore, the frequent display of his work in museums, exhibitions, and public spaces ensure that people will see and admire his work while also educating themselves on his life, works, and causes. But it is not just those institutions who keep his legacy alive, it is mainly the people who display his art on jackets, on shirts, on hats, on shoes, on tattoos, on badges, on protest signs, on decorative stickers, on posters, on billboards, on anything and everything that they can, ensuring that art truly can be for everybody.

Instead of trivialising his work, this commercialisation and widespread reproduction aligns with Haring’s mission and ensures that his work continues to be seen and loved today. Visibility and awareness were his main goals and for 33 years these have continuously been achieved thanks to celebrities, companies, arts institutions, and the public. So whether it’s those who pay tribute to the work of a brave activist, or simply enjoy the combination of shapes and colours, the universal fascination with and acknowledgement of his work ensures that his legacy will thrive for years to come.