In the first decades of the movement to be known as Street art, 1980s New York was full of possibilities, dreams and unstoppable creativity that saw at its center a group of artists who believed in art as a response to life itself. Street art was viewed as a means of representing life's grandness, intricacies, the frenetic rhythm of the time and of course the lighter parts of life too. The likes of Keith Haring were so integral to this movement by not only occupying and engaging with underground scenes but creating art for causes that were close to humanity – including the ability to enjoy life. Haring used the street and subway station as a canvas to display universal line-work alive with playful kinetic energy. Regardless of age, language or background, his work reflected his stance on love, sexuality, war, politics, AIDS and drug-awareness. The works were a light in dark times, inspiring not just a generation to believe in art and how it intertwined with life but the artists that would follow. To light up your day, discover Artsper's illuminating collection of playful street artists. You can find Piotre and Chanoir, and more artists creating lighthearted dialogue around today's culture.
