Keith Haring always followed his own line, says this story of the artist’s life. Author Matthew Burgess delightfully captures Haring’s verve for art from his very earliest days with his parents and siblings, and his free spirit that led him to his original style. We also see his use of everyday people and events as inspiration, and his ongoing love for making art in partnership with children, even as his fame grew. Also mentioned is the fact that “He fell in love with a deejay named Juan DuBose,” and we see a lovely image of them snuggling on the subway.
His AIDS diagnosis is gently touched on; Burgess notes that although he was “overwhelmed with sadness” at first, it didn’t stop him from making and sharing his art.
As sharp and vibrant as Burgess’s text is, equal weight must go to Josh Cochran’s illustrations, which evoke Haring’s bold lines and bright colors without trying to fully copy it except in the representation of Haring’s own works. The book is a visual treat.
A Biographical Note offers further details on Haring, and an Author’s Note explains Burgess’s motivation for writing the book.
Highly recommended.
