Int Studio 1-Memorial project

 

 

 

Keith Haring

“Art should be something that liberates your soul, provokes the imagination and encourages people to go further.” The words said by Keith Harring that I remembered and inspired his artwork many times. Though this quote, I wanted to create a memorial for his artwork. So I kept these words in my head as I walked the Highline. I remembered his artwork was very simple and accessible to the general public, so I thought the Highline would be a perfect place to set up his memorial. Through my research, I learned about Haring’s life. Keith Haring had a normal life like most Americans. Haring was born May, 4, 1958 in Pennsylvania. He was raised in a town named Kutztown in Pennsylvania. During his childhood, he spent a lot of time drawing pictures. His father taught him how to draw cartoons based on the popular cartoons of the time such as images from Dr. Seuss storybooks. During his young adult years, he enrolled at the Ivy School of Professional Art majoring in commercial graphic design. However, he soon realized that this was not his passion, so he dropped out of school and decided to work and study on his own. He had his first exhibition in 1978 at the Pittsburg Arts and Crafts Center. Later he moved to New York City and joined the School of Visual Arts. He was intrigued by the art community in the streets, subways, and clubs.  He met and became friends with other artists such as jean- Michel Basquiat and Kenny Schar. He soon organized and took part in local exhibitions and performances for the arts. He painted his first mural in a subway in New York City. Haring is well known for pop art and graffiti art, and one of his most notable works of art was “Crack is Wack.” Keith Haring continued to create until his death in February  16, 1990, he was 31 years old.Keith Haring was inspired by a variety of factors to create his art. Street culture of the 1980’s played a big factor when it came to Haring expressing himself.  He showed concepts of everyday life such as birth, death, sexuality, and war. People thought that he was a “social activist” due to these concepts that he portrayed in his work. In addition some thought that his images were politically influenced and his images became known as “language of the 20^thcentuary.”After visiting the Highline, I decided where would be the best location to set up the Keith Haring Memorial. I thought that an area where people would sit on a bench would be a good choice, specifically between the benches. This would be a good choice because it would be a great spot for people to access his work while relaxing at the same time. I noticed that much of his art was simple but colorful two-dimensional images. For Keith Haring’s memorial, I would like to keep his style of using simple characters such as people, I would create one three-dimensional sculpture made of clay using one of his popular characters of a person. I will paint the clay sculpture using a bright color, such as yellow, blue or red.  In the stomach area of the person, I will place a screen that plays a ten second animation clip showing some of Harring’s popular characters such as dancing people, a baby, and a wolf. In the background of the animation clip, I will show famous symbols of New York City such as the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, New York subway and a Big Apple. Keith Harring was a great artist and I think his story and artwork is worth sharing with others.He was able to realize his talent and passion. He was able to bring his passion into use by strong messages of everyday concepts to the general public. By creating a memorial for him the Highline, I would be able to pass on his artwork to future generations to come.