International art sensation Keith Haring blazed a trail through the legendary art scene of 1980s New York and revolutionized the worlds of pop culture and fine art. Haring’s message targeted the underlying threats of violence, sexual exploitation and political oppression.
Haring moved to New York in late 1970s from Kutztown, Pennsylvania, and quickly immersed himself in New York City culture. Influenced by the sounds of punk rock and the emerging gay scene, he enrolled at the School of Visual Arts, where he became fascinated by semiotics. His serpents and monsters, sinister technology and fallen angels decorated New York City in the form of graffiti, and the people of New York took notice. With his newfound success, he was embraced by icons of 80s popular culture: Vivienne Westwood, Grace Jones and Malcom McLaren.
In 1986, Harding opened The Pop Shop in SoHo, a boutique that featured his artwork. Through his many collaborations and successes, Haring battled AIDS and died on February 16th, 1990. His art was shown in over one hundred group and solo exhibitions during his lifetime and he continues to be celebrated as a major artist today, with works on display in exhibitions and museums around the world.
Producer: Ben Anthony, Alice Rhodes, Junko Tsunashima, Julie Sacks
Executive Producer: Janet Lee, Michael Kantor
Production Company: BBC
Production Year: 2020
Copyright Year: 2020
Rating: TV-MA
Director: Ben Anthony
Number of Discs: 1
Length: 60 minutes
Subtitled: Y
Subtitle Languages: English (SDH)
DVI: Y
Audio Format: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 Widescreen
Content Warning: The following program contains content which may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.