Situated in those explosive mini-era years from 1978 to 1982 in New York, this monograph explores the early and most experimental period in the career of Keith Haring (1958-1990). Its narrative commences with a portrait of the vigorous studio practice Haring had already established after enrolling in New York's School of Visual Arts, and tracks his metamorphosis into an ultra-prolific artist making political public art on downtown streets and responding to the city's graffiti culture, intent on making art that would fall outside the boundaries of the institutions. Reproduced throughout are rarely seen drawings and sketchbooks, video stills, flyers, posters, photographs, subway drawings, word collages, texts and diaries. Keith Haring: 1978-1982 unfolds the nascent career of this tireless creator, philosopher, agitator and activist, one of the most iconic and popular artists of the twentieth century.
