Keith Haring (04:28)

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Haring was a street artist in New York City in the 1980s; he wanted art to be accessible to everyone. Haring grew up in a small, conservative town in Pennsylvania and knew he wanted to be an artist since childhood.

Haring's Early Life (02:35)

Haring became involved in activism, including political graffiti, at a young age because of the Vietnam War. He moved to Pittsburgh to work at an arts and crafts center and was exposed to more art museums.

Haring in New York (05:01)

Haring moved to New York City in 1978 to break into the art world. He began attending the School of Visual Arts and realized he was gay. He became part of the nightclub scene with his friends from art school.

Haring and Graffiti (03:42)

Haring questioned who he was as an artist and was fascinated with the graffiti. He got to know graffiti artists and studied their work.

Haring's Style (06:37)

Haring decided to have a show. It gained attention and he began doing marker graffiti throughout New York. Haring created chalk drawings on blackboards throughout the subway system.

Haring's Success (03:56)

Haring met Juan Dubose at a bath house, and they began dating. Haring drew more attention and began selling his artwork. His works attracted people from all walks of life.

Haring's Tour (06:23)

There was international demand for Haring's work. He did a world tour of graffiti art, which included a performance aspect. He gave off a youthful, gay, and uniquely American energy.

Haring's Fame (04:15)

Haring hosted parties at Paradise Garage, a gay disco, as a way to share his wealth with others. He did work for numerous celebrities, becoming one himself. Haring opened the Pop Shop, to make works accessible to a larger audience.

Haring and the AIDS Epidemic (02:06)

Some of Haring's friends began dying and others dealt with fear and stigma. Haring threw himself into his work to avoid the trauma.

Haring and 1980s New York (03:44)

Haring worked with CityKids to paint a banner with thousands of kids throughout the city. He created graffiti about the crack epidemic and held his first museum show in 1986.

Haring's Health (08:34)

Haring was diagnosed with AIDS and knew he was dying. He worked hard to create as much art as possible and used his work to draw awareness to AIDS.

Credits: American Masters: Keith Haring - Street Art Boy (00:46)

Credits: American Masters: Keith Haring - Street Art Boy