"Keith arrived in New York City
and enrolled at the School of Visual Arts.
He was 20 years old.
One day, he found rolls of paper
that someone had tossed in the gutter.
He unrolled them in the studio at school
and began making bigger and bigger paintings."
Not long ago, I shared another book about Keith Haring. I knew little about him or his art. Now, I have another exceptional picture book biography to share with you. One of the things I loved learning concerns his affinity for children, and the way he treated them while doing art with them.
He died thirty years ago, but the joy found in his art lives on. This book honors his life with clear, compelling text. The pictures show readers the movement and bold colors found in every piece of art Keith created. The book begins by showing him working with Japanese children. He draws the thick. black outlines while the children fill them with their own ideas and colors.
The following spread takes readers back to where it began ... at home with his dad. They often made art together; taking turns to transform what started as one thing into another. Keith loved making art, and filled his days with the joy he found in sharing his ideas. His life with his sisters and his friend Kermit was filled with working in a garage studio. It wasn't long before he needed to find inspiration elsewhere. At 16, he left home.
For the rest of his life, Keith spent every minute he could learning more, doing more, sharing his work with anyone interested in seeing it. He learned much during his travels, from other artists, and upon his arrival in New York when he was 20. His art became bigger and bolder. He wanted to spread the message that 'art is for everybody'. His life in New York was busy. He worked at many jobs - his favorite was drawing with children at their day care center.
Seeing blank spaces in the subway, he decided to fill them. His love of life and drawing inspired many, and filled his days with much happiness. When he learned that he had AIDS, he was sad but it didn't stop him from working every day.
"From the time he was four-years-old drawing
with his Dad at the kitchen table, until the day he
died at thirty-one, Keith remained spontaneous
and free, following his line wherever it would
lead."
That is some legacy.
Josh Cochran's art is inspired and inspiring. Without it, this book would be an excellent example of a well-told biography for middle grade readers. With it, the pages are filled with the love of art that defined Keith Haring's life. The variety in perspective, the continuous lines that brought international attention and acclaim, and the way he fills the pages with joy honor the artist at every turn.
A biographical note, an author's note, and an illustrator's note add to the appeal. I have read this impressive book more than once, and will do so again.
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