Curatorial Studies: Keith Haring’s 'Art Is for Everybody'
I recently had the opportunity to view the Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody exhibition at the AGO in February, 2024 and it was an incredibly vibrant and moving experience. From the moment I walked in, I was struck by the way the exhibition was carefully curated to highlight different aspects of Haring's work, activism, and life. Divided into distinct sections, each room gave me a new lens to understand Haring’s journey—from his beginnings as a young artist in New York City to his global impact as an activist and advocate for marginalized communities.
One of the first sections I entered focused on Haring’s early student work, where I could see him experimenting with linework and form, trying to find his voice. There was a clear narrative progression, as the exhibition was arranged chronologically, allowing me to trace how his style evolved. It was fascinating to see some of his iconic motifs, like the barking dog and the radiant baby, begin to emerge in these earlier pieces.
Moving from room to room, I noticed how the curators made intentional choices to represent different facets of his career. There were spaces dedicated to his large-scale paintings, vibrant illustrations, and pop art, alongside installations that felt almost immersive. The immersive installations, in particular, stood out to me—they allowed me to step into Haring's world, where his art wasn’t just confined to the canvas but bled into the very environment. Bright Day-Glo colors and dynamic visuals created a feeling of energy and rebellion.
One section that really resonated with me was dedicated to Haring’s activism. Through the documentary films, posters, and sketches on display, I was reminded of how deeply his art was intertwined with social issues—whether it was addressing capitalism, the AIDS crisis, or nuclear disarmament. The room that centered on his AIDS activism felt especially poignant. Haring's ability to use his platform to raise awareness, even as he faced his own diagnosis, was incredibly powerful. The multimedia presentation in this room, from posters he designed for ACT UP to video interviews, gave a raw and honest view of the political urgency that drove his work.
The exhibition also included fashion, with displays of collaborations Haring had with major designers, and even pieces from the famed "Pop Shop" he opened to make his art accessible to everyone. I found it inspiring how Haring blurred the lines between fine art, street art, and commercial design, without ever losing his integrity.
I appreciated how the AGO’s curators blended visual storytelling with Haring's personal life. One room focused on his vibrant social life and the relationships he formed with other creative figures like Madonna and Jean-Michel Basquiat. These sections made the exhibition feel more intimate, as I could see how his social environment fed into his creative process.
What also made the exhibition stand out were the various multimedia elements, including documentary footage and music. Walking through the sections that played tracks from Haring’s own mixtapes—featuring songs by Eric B. & Rakim, Grace Jones, and the Beastie Boys—brought the exhibition to life in a way that felt immersive and sensory.
Overall, the curatorial choices at AGO made this exhibition a multi-layered experience. Each room, with its thoughtful arrangement of paintings, drawings, videos, and installations, offered a deeper understanding of Haring’s impact—not only as an artist but as a human being deeply committed to his community and to using art for social change.
