street art Archives - Primary Facts

Here are some facts about the American Pop-Artist, Keith Haring.

Keith Haring was born in Pennsylvania, USA in 1990.
His father was a keen cartoonist and Keith became interested in art at a very young age.
Some of his early influences included: Walt Disney cartoons, Dr Seuss, Charles Schultz and the animated characters in The Bugs Bunny Show.
When he was a teenager, Keith Haring hitchhiked across America selling T-shirts decorated with his own designs.
He was inspired by The Art Spirit – a book by Robert Henri.
He worked as a maintenance man at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. this gave him a chance to explore artwork by Jackson Pollock, Mark Tobey and Jean Dubuffet.
He was also inspired by the work of Pierre Alechinsky, and this made him think about combining writing and characters to form large images.
In 1978 he studied painting at New York’s School of Visual Arts.
He enjoyed drawing in chalk on unused advertising boards at subways and stations.
He went on to organise exhibitions at Club 57, and his work started to incorporate symbols (including barking dogs, hearts and flying saucers).
He created more than 50 public works of art between 1982 and 1989.

His work featured as the background for the Philidelphia Live Aid stage, and he collaborated with the fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.
In 1986 he opened Pop Shop, selling his work to the public at reasonable prices.
In 1988 Keith Haring was diagnosed with AIDS, and he died in 1990 at the age of 31.
During his life, he formed friendships with many celebrities including: Madonna, Will Smith, Yoko Ono and Grace Jones. He was also very close to Andy Warhol.
His work was bold, bright and was heavily influenced by Pop Art and graffiti and street art.

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Here are some facts about the artist Romero Britto.

Romero Britto is a painter, printmaker, and sculptor, and his work is influenced by pop art, cubism and street art.
His work often includes bold patterns, bright colours, playful themes and hard-edged compositions.
Romero was born in 1963 in Recife, Brazil.
In 1983 he left Brazil to go to Paris, France, and he discovered the works of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
In 1988 he was selected (along with Andy Warhol and Keith Haring) for Absolut Vodka’s artist showcase.
In 1989 he moved to Miami, Florida, USA and set up a studio in Coconut Grove.
His work is on display in dozens of countries all over the world, including: United States, Singapore, Israel, South Korea, Brazil and England.
Britto is self-taught, and when he was a child he used to paint on any scraps of paper or cardboard he could get his hands on, often trying to recreate the work of Toulouse Lautrec.
He has collaborated with many brands, including: Audi, Bentley, Disney, Evian, Mattel, Coca-Cola and FIFA.
Romero Britto has illustrated several children’s books.
He supports more than 250 charitable causes.
He is one of the most licensed artists in history. His work is everywhere!
Britto has completed portraits for Elton John, Michael Jackson, Muhammed Ali and Queen Elizabeth.

Tag: street art

Keith Haring Facts and Information

Romero Britto: Facts and Information