Both Haring and Banksy emerged from the underground subculture of street art, capturing the public's attention by utilising highly visible spaces. Haring's canvas was the gritty underground subway billboards of New York City, while Banksy's canvas extended from Bristol to Birmingham, decorating houses, shops, and offices. Both artists exuded an outsider swagger, defying conventional art world norms. Banksy, in particular, succeeded in operating successfully outside the art establishment, much like Haring. They approached the art world with a disregard for its rules.
In the clandestine world of street art, borrowing visual language, forming open alliances, and paying homage to predecessors are customary practices. Given Haring's earlier influence, it's not surprising that Banksy drew inspiration from Haring's bold hieroglyphs. For instance, Banksy's "Choose Your Weapon" from 2009 incorporates Haring's iconic dog motif. Banksy's admiration for the legendary French street artist Blek le Rat is also well-documented.
Haring's freely drawn radiant babies, barking dogs, pyramids, crosses, UFOs, and phallic dancers serve as touchpoints as instantly recognizable as Banksy's stencilled children, rats, monkeys, and policemen. Both artists transformed these symbols into urban icons, providing an oasis of art amidst urban decay, poverty, and societal challenges. The injustices of their respective eras were not just background noise but integral themes that infused their work with a sense of urgency and purpose.
Social commentary emerged as a shared theme, with both artists addressing society's ills directly. Haring operated during the AIDS epidemic, passionately advocating for gay rights, nuclear disarmament, and anti-apartheid causes. Banksy, growing up amid decaying industrial cities and societal discord, tackled contemporary issues like social unrest, authority, religious differences, and knife crime. Despite their serious messages, Banksy's sense of humour prevented his work from becoming overly dogmatic.
These two artists were more than social agitators; they were artists with wit, ambition, and a zest for life. Haring once mused about his libido in his journal, while Banksy engaged in collaborations, supporting young graffiti artists and participating in various creative projects.
Art can be both transient and enduring, especially when it incorporates elements of fun. Banksy's "Girl without Balloon" (2018) is a prime example, where he addressed the concepts of transience, celebrity power, and ownership by shredding the artwork during a Sotheby's auction. It became a groundbreaking performance art piece.
Haring was known for his connections with fellow legends like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Tseng Kwong Chi, as well as mentoring LAII (Angel Ortiz). The exhibition in Seoul features a vibrant collaboration with LAII, underscoring the importance of community and connections in Haring's life. Celebrity support was also a common thread, with Haring collaborating with icons like Madonna, Grace Jones, and Vivienne Westwood.
Keith Haring's enduring legacy complements Banksy's status as the 21st-century's most prominent street artist. Together, they have introduced universally understood motifs to explore contemporary themes, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and activism. Decades after Haring's untimely death, he remains a natural complement and counterpoint to Banksy's artistic journey.
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