Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA)

In 1978 Keith Haring (1958-1990) moved to New York City after dropping out of a commercial arts school in Pittsburg, realizing he had no interest in becoming a commercial graphic artist. New York offered an energy that Haring craved; he was swept-up in the activity outside of the museum system that thrived in subways, dance halls, and clubs. The Art Spirit, a manifesto that confirmed the independence of the artist, Christo’s public installations, and Warhol’s union of art and pop-culture influenced Haring greatly, which lead his own person style to be based upon the primacy of the line and confirmed his personal commitment to being a purely public artist. From 1982-1989 Haring produced over 50 public art projects for hospitals, charities, and children’s organizations.