Keith Haring: Skate decks

“Art should be something that liberates the soul, provokes the imagination and encourages people to go further. [By] taking it off the pedestal, I'm giving it back to the people."

Though his career was short, Keith Haring's impact on the art world was immense. He was just a young man in his twenties when he shot to fame. Submerged in the 80's counterculture scene, he rubbed shoulders with trailblazers like Madonna and Basquiat who would go on to heavily influence his art. He was inspired by graffiti and street art, and like other artists from these movements, he wanted his art to reach as big an audience as possible. As such, he sketched and painted in public places, some examples being on billboards, pavements, train carriages and subway stations.

His AIDS diagnosis triggered Haring was to get involved in charities who were fighting for awareness around the disease and safe sex, and in particular to help minorities and the underprivileged combat the epidemic. He founded his own eponymous foundation which is still open today to both carry on its original charitable objectives and to honor the artist. 

In order to financially support this charity that was so close to the artist's heart, a series of limited artworks which feature prints on various mediums were released to raise money. Despite the artists high acclaim, the pieces are being sold at a reasonable price so they are affordable to the general public. His bold and energetic line drawings have been reproduced on skateboards, a rather original medium. These boards have two possible uses: they can be purely decorative or used functionally as a stylish way to get about.

Discover Keith Haring's designs on skateboards on Artsper and add a touch of street art to your collection!