Lately Keith Haring‘s art pieces have been popping up everywhere, yet people barely know this cool cat.

Keith Haring was born in Reading, Pennsylvania on May 4, 1958. Haring was a social activist and an artist. After moving to New York City, at age 19, he found himself inspired by the street graffiti, which later influenced his unique style.  He was prominent in the social scene in New York’s East Village because he was actively involved in gay rights. His involvement influenced some of this art pieces(see below).

Some of his commercial ventures were designing for Swatch watches (1985); the Absolut Vodka advertisement (1986); and a Keith Haring Pop Shop (opened 1986)– which he sold T-shirts, posters, and other items. In 1988, Haring was diagnosed with AIDS. In 1989 he established the Keith Haring Foundation which  provided funding and imagery to AIDS organizations and children programs. Keith died of AID-related complications on February 16, 1990.

Check out some of his artwork.

Untitled, 1982

Untitled, 1982

Untitled, 1983

What a piece of Haring?

1985 Swatch Watch Serpent GZ102 Designed by Keith Haring $1200 (ebay).

Keith Haring “Blanc sur Noir” Swatch ($525 on ebay).