Keith Haring

Pop art, activism

Modern influential 126 sayings

Sayings by Keith Haring

Pop Art was a way of making art for everyone.

1989 — Interview with John Gruen, 'Keith Haring: The Authorized Biography'.
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The public has a right to art, and it is the responsibility of the artist to provide it.

1980s — Statement, often quoted in discussions of his public art.
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I think the most important thing is that the art is accessible to everyone.

1980s — Interview, discussing his philosophy.
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I started drawing in the subway in 1980. I was riding the subway, and I saw these black panels, and I just thought, 'How perfect.'

1989 — Interview, describing the genesis of his subway drawings.
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Art is for everybody.

1980s — Concise statement, a core belief of his.
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I think that the best art is the art that is not in a museum.

1980s — Interview, expressing his preference for public art.
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I'm not trying to make political art. I'm trying to make art that's about life.

1980s — Interview, clarifying his intentions.
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Drawing is still the basis of everything.

1980s — Statement, highlighting the fundamental nature of drawing in his practice.
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I think the most important thing is to be honest with yourself.

1980s — Interview, reflecting on personal integrity.
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The kids are the future. And if you can reach the kids, then you can change the world.

1980s — Statement, reflecting his dedication to children's education and engagement.
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I don't think art is a luxury. I think it's a necessity.

1980s — Interview, emphasizing the importance of art in society.
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My work was starting to be seen in the subway, and people were starting to recognize it. And that's when I started to feel like I was really doing something.

Early 1980s — Interview, describing his early recognition.
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I'm just trying to make art that speaks to people.

1980s — Concise statement of his artistic goal.
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I learned how to draw by drawing on the subway.

1980s — Interview, highlighting the improvisational nature of his early work.
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Art is a way of communicating, and I think that's what I'm trying to do.

1980s — Statement, emphasizing the communicative aspect of his art.
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I want to create art that's part of the world, not separate from it.

1980s — Interview, reflecting his desire for integration of art into daily life.
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Art should be a celebration of life.

1980s — Statement, reflecting the often joyful nature of his work.
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I'm not interested in making art for the elite. I'm interested in making art for everyone.

1980s — Interview, reiterating his populist approach.
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My life is my art, and my art is my life.

1980s — Concise statement, reflecting the intertwined nature of his existence and work.
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The energy of the city is what feeds my work.

1980s — Interview, discussing the influence of New York City.
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