YEAR 11 CASE STUDY- KEITH HARING 1958 - 1990
Keith Haring was an American graffiti artist who epitomized the outlaw lifestyle of New York's East Village in the high-living 1970s and early 1980s. He originally became known for his chalk and spray paint art, which he executed on the city's streets and sidewalks.
What is meant by the term 'epitomized'?
He began making marks and drawing his signature motifs on the blank advertisement boards on the subways. These unusual chalk renderings, completed with exceptional speed and spontaneity, livened up an often drab environment.
"One day, riding the subway, I saw this empty black panel where an advertisement was supposed to go. I immediately realised that this was the perfect place to draw. I went back above ground to a card shop and bought a box of white chalk, went back down and did a drawing on it. It was perfect- soft black paper; chalk drew on it really easily" (Haring, as cited in Williams and Vance Wilson, 2008, p. 348).
What is meant by the term 'epitomized'?
He began making marks and drawing his signature motifs on the blank advertisement boards on the subways. These unusual chalk renderings, completed with exceptional speed and spontaneity, livened up an often drab environment.
"One day, riding the subway, I saw this empty black panel where an advertisement was supposed to go. I immediately realised that this was the perfect place to draw. I went back above ground to a card shop and bought a box of white chalk, went back down and did a drawing on it. It was perfect- soft black paper; chalk drew on it really easily" (Haring, as cited in Williams and Vance Wilson, 2008, p. 348).
"Haring painted his images on walls throughout the world, images that are reminiscent of cave art in their linear quality. In Pisa, Italy, a colourful configuration of pastel-like figures graces the wall of the church of Sant' Antonio in the old centre of the city. Squat figures, like those in computer games and cartoons, devoid of sexuality, engage in dance and acrobatics" (Williams and Vance Wilson, 2008, p. 348).
Haring produced more than fifty public mural and sculpture projects throughout the world.
Haring's art relates to the human condition and modern technology. Images on the barking dog and dancing man reflected the energy of the time.
"His universal popular imagery derived from a variety of ethnic and cultural sources, without being applicable to one in particular" (Hodge and Anson, 1996, p. 172).
What does it mean if his imagery is taken from a variety of sources but is not applicable to one in particular?
Mural on wall at Church of Sant' Antonio, Pisa, Italy. 1989.
ACTIVITY:
PRACTICE:
1. Examine Keith Haring's artmaking practice.
In your response consider: his inspiration and process, the materials and techniques he uses, and the size of his works.
Refer to at least two artworks in your answer.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK:
2. Account for the influence of the political world on Keith Haring and the artworks he produced.
Refer to at least two artworks in your response.
FRAMES:
3. An artist's representation of the world may be a result of their personal experiences.
Discuss this statement with reference to at least two artworks created by Haring.
4. Using the post modern frame, investigate how Haring challenged conventions of the past.
1. Examine Keith Haring's artmaking practice.
In your response consider: his inspiration and process, the materials and techniques he uses, and the size of his works.
Refer to at least two artworks in your answer.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK:
2. Account for the influence of the political world on Keith Haring and the artworks he produced.
Refer to at least two artworks in your response.
FRAMES:
3. An artist's representation of the world may be a result of their personal experiences.
Discuss this statement with reference to at least two artworks created by Haring.
4. Using the post modern frame, investigate how Haring challenged conventions of the past.
Created by N. Usher for Gilroy Catholic College, 2014.