Keith Haring and Activist Art PDF

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Aurora Guenette Contemporary Art Nielsen 6 March 2016

Keith Haring and His Contributions to Activist Art in the the 1980s and 90s

With the beginning of the 1980s came political and social unrest. There emerged an overwhelming concern with the division of Berlin by the Berlin Wall, AIDs became increasingly concerning, threats of nuclear war were heightened by the Soviet Union, and expression of homosexuality was becoming more common. The influence of these events were evident in the actions of society and art. The influx of societal disturbance explains why Activist Art is a substantial theme in art from the late 1970s into the 90s. One artist providing keen examples of Activist Art is Keith Haring, making statements about the AIDs movement, homosexuality, and politics. Being diagnosed with AIDs in 1988, Keith Haring found it increasingly important to advocate for victims of AIDs. He created the Keith Haring Foundation in 1989 to supply care for those suffering from AIDs and put more research into a cure. Haring also created the Pop Shop in 1986 which sold novelties with his art on them to support his AIDs activism (Archer 158). Reflecting on the purpose of opening the Pop Shop, Haring

states, “The use of commercial products has enabled me to reach millions of people whom I would not have reached by remaining an unknown artist. I assumed, after all, that the point of making art was to communicate and contribute to culture,” (Keith Haring Foundation). By extending his work to an audience outside of the art community, Haring made his art activism rather than just a political statement. Besides his funding for the AIDs movement, the content of Haring’s art was exemplified his opinions on AIDs. In 1989, Haring created “Ignorance=Fear”, showcasing the slogan of the AIDs coalition to Unleash Power, Silence=Death. The purpose of this piece was to take notice to the disregard of the government to help AIDs victims. He also starred in the film “Silence=Death” in 1990 which includes his reflection and longing for carefree sex without the fear of spreading AIDs, and so once again displaying his views through art. Keith Haring’s art can be seen as a symbol for the AIDS movement and therefore fulfills the title of Activist Art that was popular throughout the 1980s and 90s. Keith Haring’s works were also a medium for his views and support for homosexuality. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Haring described his thoughts on homosexuality: with homosexuality being associated with AIDs it was not just frowned upon, but homosexuals were associated with spreading death (Keith Haring Foundation). He expressed the absurdity of public opinion of homosexuality through his artwork in vulgar works like “Bad Boys”, “Self Portrait with Juan”, and “Once Upon a Time”.

Keith Haring displayed a hyper sexualized, almost inhumane portrayal of homosexual relationships. By these salacious statements, Haring forced his audience to realize the obsenity of public opinion. These art works eshibited rebellious, bold activism common to the time. Keith Haring’s political activism was clear in his artwork. In 1982, Haring distributed his art as Anti-War rally posters. This featured his infamous “Radiant Baby”. Haring describes the reaction of viewers as, “[They] think they can see the aura of a radioactive or electric baby,” (Keith Haring Foundation). The purpose of this artwork was to demonstrate the impact and destruction of innocent people during nuclear war. Haring strongly believed nuclear war was not a good solution in the Cold War and his beliefs came through strongly in his rally posters. With yet another statement of his adversity towards war, Haring painted a rather large mural on the Berlin Wall in 1986. The mural depicted the unity of East and West Germany through the linking of figures of the colors of the German flag. This mural had worldly implications for German unity and presented Haring’s determination for activism. Keith Haring is an ideal example of the theme of activist art in the 1980s and 90s. His art demonstrated his views on the AIDs movement, homosexuality, and politics on a worldwide scale. During a time of political and social unrest, activist artists were a voice

of bold rebellion that extended to a medium beyond protest. The voices of AIDs victims, homosexuals, anti-war rallyists, and many more could be heard through beautiful art.

Works Cited Archer, Michael. Art since 1960. London: Thames and Hudson, 1997. Print. Keith Haring Foundation . Keith Haring Foundation. 1997. Web. 6 Mar. 2016....