Recently, 31 drawings created on the New York subway by Keith Haring were sold for a total of $9.2 million, far above the estimate, at a Sotheby’s auction.
The artist began drawing with chalk on empty advertising boards in the 1980s as a way to pass the time while waiting for the subway. “I remember noticing a billboard at the Times Square station, and I immediately went above ground and bought some chalk,” the artist recalled. “After the first drawing, things just fell into place.” What began as a hobby quickly turned into a successful artistic career. By the time of his death in 1990, Haring was one of the most famous graphic artists and a pioneer of graffiti.
Born on May 4, 1958, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Haring moved to New York to study at the School of Visual Arts. His paintings are often characterised by simple lines, clear outlines, and vibrant colours. Haring was influenced by urban culture, graffiti, and Pop Art, as well as significant social and political themes of the time. He used art as a means of conveying powerful and accessible messages to everyone. Despite his international success, Haring remained a committed artist, supporting various humanitarian causes and collaborating with organisations to help those affected by HIV/AIDS. His artistic legacy and messages of love and unity continue to inspire today as a testament to the power of art to change the world.