Graffiti artist Keith Haring's most iconic piece was 'Radiant Baby'

Radiant
Originally uploaded by drew*in*chicago

Keith Haring (1958 – 1990) was an artist and social activist, says Wikipedia, whose work responded to the New York City street culture of the 1980s.

Haring achieved his first public attention with chalk drawings in the subways of NYC. These were his first recognized pieces of pop art. The exhibitions were filmed by the photographer Tseng Kwong Chi.

"The Radiant Baby" became his symbol. His bold lines, vivid colors, and active figures carry strong messages of life and unity.

Like Basquiat, in 1981 - 82 his recognition and the value of his art soared. He flew across the globe, painting murals and street scenes in Europe, South America and Asia.

His "Crack is Wack" mural, created in 1986, has become a landmark in New York's FDR Drive.[2] He got to know Andy Warhol, who was the theme of several of Haring's pieces including "Andy Mouse." His friendship with Warhol would prove to be a decisive element in his eventual success.

He became friends with pop stars such as Madonna and Grace Jones and created designs for their tours and videos.

He opened a retail store in SoHo called Pop Shop, selling merchandise bearing his iconic images including t-shirts, toys, posters and other objects with reproductions of his art. Haring also created advertising images for Absolut vodka and Swatch watches.[5]

When asked about the "commercialism" of his work, Mr. Haring said: "I could earn more money if I just painted a few things and jacked up the price. My shop is an extension of what I was doing in the subway stations, breaking down the barriers between high and low art."[5]

By the arrival of Pop Shop, his work began reflecting more socio-political themes, such as anti-Apartheid, AIDS awareness, and the crack cocaine epidemic.

Keith Haring was openly gay and was a strong advocate of safe sex;[1] however, in 1988, Haring was diagnosed with AIDS. He established the Keith Haring Foundation in 1989, its mandate being to provide funding and imagery to AIDS organizations.

Haring died in 1990 of AIDS-related complications.