Keith Haring: Journals [Hardcover]

Keith Haring (Author), David Hockney (Preface), Robert Farris Thompson (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1996

His own words and artwork follow the evolution of the late artist, from early chalk sketches to massive steel sculptures, in a volume illustrated with previously unpublished drawings from his notebooks. 25,000 first printing. $25,000 ad/promo. First serial, Vanity Fair.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

From the age of 19 until his death from AIDS in 1990 when he was 32, artist Keith Haring kept handwritten notebooks in which he recorded thoughts on his work, his personal relationships, his homosexuality, the books he had read, other artists and his commercial success. An internationally renowned pop icon by the time he was 24, Haring presumably knew the journals would eventually be made public. As a result, some of the entries betray a youthful self-consciousness. Nevertheless, these outspoken statements provide insight into the sexuality that permeates Haring's art and reveal a great deal about his aesthetics, creative development, working methods, competitiveness with other artists, openness to new experiences, love of children, devotion to friends and determination to go on in the face of death. The entries are arranged by year, and lists of Haring's exhibitions and projects are appended. An appreciative introduction by Yale art historian Thompson sets Haring's work in context. Illustrations not seen by PW. BOMC selection.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

The journals Haring kept since high school, here illustrated with previously unpublished drawings, should help to illuminate his cheery, raucous street art.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Viking Adult; 1st Edition. edition (July 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670847747
• ISBN-13: 978-0670847747
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #284,885 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All For His Art...., September 15, 2003

By 

F. Gentile (Lake Worth, Florida, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Keith Haring Journals. (Hardcover)

Keith Haring was someone I would have liked to have known. I recall seeing his paintings, which at the time were almost considered graffiti, around Manhattan in the early 1980's, and, being charmed by his trademark faceless little expressions of mass humanity. He became the artist most identifiable with the 1980's. But, he was much more than that. He was always very aware of his role as an artist, and, without any conceived pretention, what that role meant in society. Some artists are very insular, and develope their art in total privacy, for later viewing. Keith Haring was an artist who wanted people "involved" in the happening of his creativity. These journals, which he began sporadically from his teens, until his death from AIDS in 1990, show someone far more serious, with a sincere social conscience, than his often whimsical style suggests. He had a huge and unquestioning admiration for children, having a connection to them which could be described as what he called a mutual joy in the "gift of life", not yet jaded or corrupted. There are excerpts here which sometimes read like a tedious travelogue, of his shows worldwide. But, they are worthy reading overall because of his observations about people, politics, and the publics reaction to what he was trying to say through his art. He hated the "business" end of the art world, but acknowledged it as a necessity, if you wanted your art to be seen. He especially viewed businessmen and politicians as inheritantly evil and corrupt, making the astute observation in 1987 that white men in particular use "religion and business as a tool to fulfill his greed and power hungry aggression..."Expansion", "colonization", "dominitation", are all filled with the abuse of power and the misuse of people." (Some things never change...) His very sensitive side can be seen in his reaction to the death of dear friend and mentor Andy Warhol. It is very moving, and pays tribute and appreciation to one of his first supporters. He believed in the good of SOME people, in a corrupt world, and in the hope of change for the better in mankind. His art was a reaching out, which he prophetically foresaw as outlasting what he always felt would be a short life. These journals are the entertaining account of the life of a very talented, very intelligent, dear man, and I feel they'd be an interesting read even if their author were anonymous.There are lessons here, and not just for art students. As he intended, his art is what remains. It has a universal appeal, it "speaks" to people everywhere, about life, war, technology, sex, in a language everyone understands. As he observed regarding his need to keep creating, even in the face of impending death... "Work is all I have, and art is more important than life."

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cultivated Admiration, June 13, 2001

By 

"funbug1971" (rome, ga United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Keith Haring Journals. (Hardcover)

I did not understand nor really enjoy Keith Harings work until I read his journal. His thought processes that develope in the book talk about what he was trying to acomplish with his work. Knowing the angle that he was working from gave me a much deeper appreciation for his work. I think this is a very valuable book in understand Keith's views and philosophies behind his work.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book gives you a feeling of the man behind his art., February 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Keith Haring Journals (Paperback)

Keith Haring is unbelievably talented. He is one of my favorite artist's--and in his journals I got to understand where some of his compositions came from---If you like his work and you want to know where some of his ideas came from. Check out this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!