English Spring 210 Digital Portfolio
Keith Haring’s life

Keith Haring’s life

1. How did Keith Haring make his work accessible to all people and why is this access important? 

Keith Haring was an artist known for his distinctive style and his ability to make art accessible to everyone. His artwork was often seen in public spaces such as subways, street corners, and even on clothing, making it easily visible to people from all walks of life. Haring believed that art should not be reserved for a select few, but rather it should be accessible to everyone. Haring’s early work was heavily inspired by graffiti, which was a highly accessible form of public art at the time. He saw how graffiti allowed people from all backgrounds to express themselves and communicate their ideas, and he was inspired to create art that was similarly accessible. In the documentary, Haring himself says, “Graffiti was the thing that made me understand that art didn’t have to be something that was done just for museums or galleries.” 

Additionally, Haring frequently created art in public spaces, such as subways and parks, where it could be easily seen and interacted with. This allowed people who might not have otherwise visited galleries or museums to engage with his work. The documentary shows several examples of Haring creating murals and paintings in public spaces, including his iconic “Crack is Wack” mural in Harlem. 

Lastly, Haring used his art to raise awareness about important social and political issues, making his work not just accessible but also meaningful. For example, he created a poster for the anti-apartheid movement and used his platform to draw attention to the AIDS crisis. The documentary shows footage of Haring participating in protests and rallies and highlights his commitment to using his art to make a positive impact on the world.