Pop Shop Quad I, c.1987By Keith Haring

Pop Artist and icon Keith Haring’s phenomenal rise from a talented graffiti artist, whose "radiant child" became a worldwide symbol of 1980s pop culture, remains arguably as relevant today as when it was created despite being universally recognized as representative of that era. Painting with artistic and childlike exuberance, his talent was first recognized on subway platforms where he drew his trademark chalk figures and murals for all of New York to see. A muralist, painter, sculptor and graphic artist, Haring’s work features the pulsating energy and explosive colors which he felt embody the throbbing plexus of New York. Creating murals and sculptures in the U.S. and foreign countries, Haring was known for his compulsive work habits, tracing his progress from concept to installation of one-man shows in Australia, Japan, France, and Monaco, among others. By the time that Haring (1958-1990), a major supporter of Aids research and awarenes, died at age 31, his work had moved from underground NYC to the most prestigious galleries around the world.