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Keith Haring
Keith Haring was a revolutionary artist, who transformed the art world during his short but impactful life. Brought to life by Simon Doonan, Creative Director for Barneys New York, this new pocket-sized biography tells his inspirational story.
Revolutionary and renegade, Keith Haring was an artist for the people, creating an instantly recognisable repertoire of symbols - barking dogs, space-ships, crawling babies, clambering faceless people - which became synonymous with the volatile culture of 1980s. Like a careening, preening pinball, Keith Haring playfully slammed into all aspects of this decade - hip-hop, new-wave, graffiti, funk, art, style, gay culture - and brought them together.
Haring's fanatical drive propelled him into the orbit of the most interesting people of his Jean Michel Basquiat envied him; Warhol, William Boroughs and Grace Jones collaborated with him. Madonna and he shared the same tastes in men. Famous at 25, dead from AIDS at 31, Keith Haring is remembered as a Pied Piper, an unpretentious communicator who appeared happiest when mentoring a gang of kids, arming them with brushes and attacking the nearest wall.
A series of brief biographies of the great artists, Lives of the Artists takes as its inspiration Giorgio Vasari's five-hundred-year-old masterwork, updating it with modern takes on the lives of key artists past and present. Focusing on the life of the artist rather than examining their work, each book also includes key images illustrating the artist's life. Hardbound, but pocket-sized, the books each sport a specially-commissioned portrait of their subject on the half-jacket.
Revolutionary and renegade, Keith Haring was an artist for the people, creating an instantly recognisable repertoire of symbols - barking dogs, space-ships, crawling babies, clambering faceless people - which became synonymous with the volatile culture of 1980s. Like a careening, preening pinball, Keith Haring playfully slammed into all aspects of this decade - hip-hop, new-wave, graffiti, funk, art, style, gay culture - and brought them together.
Haring's fanatical drive propelled him into the orbit of the most interesting people of his Jean Michel Basquiat envied him; Warhol, William Boroughs and Grace Jones collaborated with him. Madonna and he shared the same tastes in men. Famous at 25, dead from AIDS at 31, Keith Haring is remembered as a Pied Piper, an unpretentious communicator who appeared happiest when mentoring a gang of kids, arming them with brushes and attacking the nearest wall.
A series of brief biographies of the great artists, Lives of the Artists takes as its inspiration Giorgio Vasari's five-hundred-year-old masterwork, updating it with modern takes on the lives of key artists past and present. Focusing on the life of the artist rather than examining their work, each book also includes key images illustrating the artist's life. Hardbound, but pocket-sized, the books each sport a specially-commissioned portrait of their subject on the half-jacket.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2022
4 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Simon Doonan
39 books106 followersWriter, fashionista, acclaimed window dresser and author Simon Doonan is the Creative Ambassador for Barneys New York. His books include Confessions of a Window Dresser, Soccer Style, Eccentric Glamour and Gay Men Don’t Get Fat. His memoir 'Beautiful People’ was turned into a BBC TV series starring Oscar-winners Olivia Coleman and Brenda Blethyn. Simon appears as a judge on the NBC television show Making It, co-hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 26, 2021
I associated Keith Haring with graffiti-style graphics and the success of the 80's new wave artists.
After reading the book, I gained a lot of respect for him as an artist who consciously built his image and his own brand. Many of his actions were ahead of those times.
And I thought that today he would be a great guru for street art artists, because we still see references to his art.
It is worth reading this biography and then reaching for more books about him and his art.
After reading the book, I gained a lot of respect for him as an artist who consciously built his image and his own brand. Many of his actions were ahead of those times.
And I thought that today he would be a great guru for street art artists, because we still see references to his art.
It is worth reading this biography and then reaching for more books about him and his art.
December 25, 2020
I love Simon Doonan as an author. This is a short book detailing the high and low points of Keith Haring's life and work written in Doonan's easily readable and chatty style. It never patronises but also never assumes that you know a lot of detail and I think it strikes a good balance of educating and informing while also entertaining. On the strength of reading this I have already bought one of the books Doonan recommends in the bibliography at the back as I am very interested in finding out about Haring in more detail. A great book.
August 19, 2023
this book beautifully encapsulates keith’s vivacious personality & inclusive spirit. he will live forever on in each of us through his moving, inspiring, & one-of-a-kind creations.
February 2, 2021
For readers looking for an in-depth biography of Keith Haring, they might be advised to go elsewhere, but this is a zippy, casually conversational , yet compassionate overview of Haring's humble beginnings, rise to fame and celebrity and untimely passing. in the unmistakably breezy voice of Simon Doonan. Only Doonan could get away with such phrases as "Haring was becoming a 'thing"' without being accused of laziness - you can practically hear him reading in your ear. Easily read in one sitting, it read much like a long-form article, though that's not to take away from Doonan's incisive positioning of Haring as arguably the defining artist of the 1980's and his place in the zeitgeist; perhaps even defining it, with his deceptively simple cartoonish figures coupled with social commentary, particularly on the crack, and AIDS epidemics. Doonan cleverly underscores the freshness and relevance of Haring's cult of personality and his art 40 years later by a spot-on musing on the man Haring and his chosen entourage would be today. Despite his brevity, Doonan sketches Haring as such a fascinating and influential figure, that he leaves one to wonder why, besides John Gruen's 1991 full-length biography released just a year after his death, Haring hasn't risen to the ubiquitous biographical status enjoyed by his hero and mentor Warhol. Perhaps in time, though for now, Simon Doonan provides an enjoyable step in that direction.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. One note, was curious why the e-book was not available to send to Kindle - reading on app was difficult to navigate.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. One note, was curious why the e-book was not available to send to Kindle - reading on app was difficult to navigate.
January 18, 2021
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Keith Haring is a very short and accessible biography of the artist/icon written by Simon Doonan. Due out 23rd Feb 2021 from Laurence King, it's 128 pages and will be available in a pocket sized hardcover edition.
This is a volume in the Lives of the Artists series of short biographies. Written in chatty and exuberant language, the style suits Haring's ebullient life and work. It's a small book, and as such doesn't go into much detail, but it provides a nice intro to Haring's world, his meteoric rise to influence, and his all too short life and career. The book isn't illustrated, but there are a number of well annotated photographs of Haring himself, collaborators, friends, and tantalizing glimpses of the rarefied world he inhabited.
This was a very short but informative read. It's stuffed full of name-dropping celebrities and famous (infamous) parties from the 80s. I had a great deal of nostalgia reading this one, and well remember how much I loved his art and style the first time around (saving for months to afford a Haring Swatch watch).
The book includes a very short bibliography for further reading and an index.
Four stars. This would make a good classroom/library selection, gift, or home library acquisition.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Keith Haring is a very short and accessible biography of the artist/icon written by Simon Doonan. Due out 23rd Feb 2021 from Laurence King, it's 128 pages and will be available in a pocket sized hardcover edition.
This is a volume in the Lives of the Artists series of short biographies. Written in chatty and exuberant language, the style suits Haring's ebullient life and work. It's a small book, and as such doesn't go into much detail, but it provides a nice intro to Haring's world, his meteoric rise to influence, and his all too short life and career. The book isn't illustrated, but there are a number of well annotated photographs of Haring himself, collaborators, friends, and tantalizing glimpses of the rarefied world he inhabited.
This was a very short but informative read. It's stuffed full of name-dropping celebrities and famous (infamous) parties from the 80s. I had a great deal of nostalgia reading this one, and well remember how much I loved his art and style the first time around (saving for months to afford a Haring Swatch watch).
The book includes a very short bibliography for further reading and an index.
Four stars. This would make a good classroom/library selection, gift, or home library acquisition.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
March 20, 2021
A small, but perfectly formed, biography of the iconic street artist, Keith Haring, whose instantly recognisable, art has been a mainstay of pop culture for some 40 years now. From his humble beginnings in Pennsylvania, where he inherited his Dad's passion for cartoons, to his globe-trotting life as a celebrated artist - painting the Berlin Wall, a monastery in Pisa, etc etc, this pocket-sized biography contains a lot of information about Haring's short but productive life.
The one thing that was missing from this book for me, was any images of his art. There were some great photos of him hanging out with various muses / celebrities / boyfriends / etc. but no photos of his art, which felt like a miss. It would have been great to have images of the Crack is Wack mural, Tuttomondo in Pisa, or the Parisian children's hospital mural, all of which have passages dedicated to them in the book. As it was, I had to keep Googling all the references to see what was being discussed. Other than that, this a great introduction to Haring's life.
The one thing that was missing from this book for me, was any images of his art. There were some great photos of him hanging out with various muses / celebrities / boyfriends / etc. but no photos of his art, which felt like a miss. It would have been great to have images of the Crack is Wack mural, Tuttomondo in Pisa, or the Parisian children's hospital mural, all of which have passages dedicated to them in the book. As it was, I had to keep Googling all the references to see what was being discussed. Other than that, this a great introduction to Haring's life.
September 23, 2022
I can’t believe that I found this book in my country (Venezuela). Don’t get me wrong, people here love Keith Haring so much that it’s absurd. His art is relevant even here and I’m happy that my favorite artist, is well known in my country.
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I said it’s amazing to have found this book here because, Book shops in my city have disappear and I’m buying second hand books now because it’s the only way to read what you want to read. I stumble upon this book in the shop that just opened in my city, and I am happy that I did. I read this in a heartbeat. I did not read in hours because I was out of my house and couldn’t read in the streets but I read in the car because I was merged into the story of Keith. I’ve seen two documentaries and a YouTube video of him and I love him. I think he was the future and he would’ve loved, how his art it’s appreciate it today.
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This book is very well written, the only thing negative thing is that is very short. But, I think it’s a great introduction to begin to read about this famous artist.
.
I said it’s amazing to have found this book here because, Book shops in my city have disappear and I’m buying second hand books now because it’s the only way to read what you want to read. I stumble upon this book in the shop that just opened in my city, and I am happy that I did. I read this in a heartbeat. I did not read in hours because I was out of my house and couldn’t read in the streets but I read in the car because I was merged into the story of Keith. I’ve seen two documentaries and a YouTube video of him and I love him. I think he was the future and he would’ve loved, how his art it’s appreciate it today.
.
This book is very well written, the only thing negative thing is that is very short. But, I think it’s a great introduction to begin to read about this famous artist.
February 3, 2021
Simon Doonan's Keith Haring is a very approachable biography on a very approachable and playful artist Keith Haring. Doonan is not an art critic and probably that is why this biography has its undeniable charm. It is more about Haring's success and his social life in New York City and beyond in the 1980s.
Doonan's present tense biography, with occasional personal notes, paints Haring's drug use, sex life and commercialism as they were without any judgment or criticism and focuses on Keith Haring's fabulous short life. Haring, as an artist against the art establishment, has achieved so much in such a short life time collaborated with renowned artists and surrounded by celebrities, still without losing sight of urgent social issues such as AIDS and inequality. Haring life is nicely captured in this charming short book.
Thank you, Net Galley and Laurence King Publishing for an advance copy.
Doonan's present tense biography, with occasional personal notes, paints Haring's drug use, sex life and commercialism as they were without any judgment or criticism and focuses on Keith Haring's fabulous short life. Haring, as an artist against the art establishment, has achieved so much in such a short life time collaborated with renowned artists and surrounded by celebrities, still without losing sight of urgent social issues such as AIDS and inequality. Haring life is nicely captured in this charming short book.
Thank you, Net Galley and Laurence King Publishing for an advance copy.
February 2, 2021
Over 3 years working in an Art book shop, i've slowly been learning more about individual artists such as Haring.
His work is immediately recognisable for me, but the more I read, the more I realised that there is so much more to Keith Haring than his popular works.
What impressed me most was the way Doonan wrote this book, instead of simply 'stating the facts of Haring's life and work', Doonan sounded like he was writing about a friend.
The pictures were delightful and unexpected, as whilst I could pick out Haring's artwork in seconds but I wasn't familiar with the way he looked.
As soon as we're allowed to open and order again, I will 100% ensure we stock at least one copy of this in our Artists A-Z section for the book shop. I would love to read about other artists in such a charming way.
His work is immediately recognisable for me, but the more I read, the more I realised that there is so much more to Keith Haring than his popular works.
What impressed me most was the way Doonan wrote this book, instead of simply 'stating the facts of Haring's life and work', Doonan sounded like he was writing about a friend.
The pictures were delightful and unexpected, as whilst I could pick out Haring's artwork in seconds but I wasn't familiar with the way he looked.
As soon as we're allowed to open and order again, I will 100% ensure we stock at least one copy of this in our Artists A-Z section for the book shop. I would love to read about other artists in such a charming way.
August 22, 2021
There’s a 30 percent chance if I’m wearing a graphic tee, it’s a Uniqlo tee with a Keith Haring design, but for someone who’s made ~their personality~ off of this art I’ve always been drawn to and admired, I actually knew very little about Haring the man, the artist, and their career. Simon Doonan’s brief (literally only 90 pages) primer felt honorific, pithy, and in conversation with art and culture today and Haring’s legacy on it.
Keith as an artist, activist, celebrity and entrepreneur all at once is so commonplace now that it didn’t even dawn on me how much of that was spearheaded by Haring over 3” years ago.
Anyways, If you want to learn a bit more about such an important artist in culture without the time investment of a full biography, this one is well worth it.
Keith as an artist, activist, celebrity and entrepreneur all at once is so commonplace now that it didn’t even dawn on me how much of that was spearheaded by Haring over 3” years ago.
Anyways, If you want to learn a bit more about such an important artist in culture without the time investment of a full biography, this one is well worth it.
December 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Only shirt, but very comprehensive, and really paints a vivid picture of Keith Haring’s life, and especially the art world of late 70s/80s New York amidst the vibrant gay scene and the looming shadow of AIDS. I had seen an exhibition of his work in Liverpool and this was a great read to flesh out the life behind the art.
January 12, 2021
YES! Finally! I have been waiting for a way to learn about the artist I have art, sweatshirts and sneakers inspired by. Would recommend to those fans out there wanting to learn more about the LGBTQ icon and artist.
March 13, 2021
What a jewel of a book. I want Simon Doonan to teach me everything about our recent cultural history. I loved his insights, his humor, and his heart in these pages. He rejoiced in Keith Haring's artistic odyssey while always remembering the everyday boy/man behind the celebrity.
June 18, 2021
Such an intricate look into well known artist, Keith Haring! As a huge fan of him myself I found this book to be a fascinating fast paced look into his life, the energy of the 80s, and the culture around art/artists at that time. I LOVED IT
January 4, 2021
I was interested in reading about Haring’s life, as he seemed a fascinating character and I have loved his art since the 1980s. However, this was quite a short book, focusing on surface and not really delving deeply enough into the heart of the man. It felt like a reminiscence from a friend rather than an analytical biography, and it suffered as a book because of this. It was still interesting, but I wouldn’t recommend this for someone who wants a detailed exploration of Haring’s life and works.
March 31, 2022
A brief summary of Haring’s life that’s very well made
December 20, 2022
Simon never disappoints. This time he lends his wit to Keith Haring's life story! Even if you are familiar with Keith's life, this is a fun read!
February 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this brief but informative book, i found it inspiring and I want more books about Haring.
May 15, 2023
Liked the story of Keith Haring, I learnt many things. I however did not like the writing much. The author was commenting too much on the events in my opinion.
June 6, 2023
Easy to read, quick, but thoughtful and all encompassing. Detailed. A really good overview of Keith’s life and orbit.
April 9, 2024
Easy read. Not too in depth but a really nice overview of Keith's life and his influences.
July 6, 2025
I love this quote from Haring, it’s so true: ‘I’m sure when I die I won’t really die, because I live in many people.’
August 16, 2025
Wonderful short biography of a truly visionary artist who died of AIDS in the first decade of the disease. A must read
July 14, 2021
I have loved and admired Keith Haring, his work and specifically his political work.
This short book gives an intimate glimpse into a life of a fascinating artist whose life was cut way too short.
You will read this book in one go. Simon did a really good job balancing the personal details, with Keith emerging as an artist.
Recommend it to anyone who is interested in (street) art history, the 80's, LGBTQ issues.
This book was provided as an ARC
This short book gives an intimate glimpse into a life of a fascinating artist whose life was cut way too short.
You will read this book in one go. Simon did a really good job balancing the personal details, with Keith emerging as an artist.
Recommend it to anyone who is interested in (street) art history, the 80's, LGBTQ issues.
This book was provided as an ARC
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews