Iconic street artist and social activist Keith Haring is set to be the subject of a new television biopic series that will chronicle his groundbreaking artistic career and advocacy work. The project, which does not yet have a confirmed release date, will be based on Brad Gooch's acclaimed biography "Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haring," published last year.
The series is being developed through a collaboration between British production company Working Title Television and the Keith Haring Foundation, with Gooch serving as executive producer. British director Andrew Haigh, known for his work on the 2023 romantic fantasy film "All of Us Strangers," will write, develop, and produce the upcoming show.
Haring first gained recognition in the early 1980s when he began creating chalk drawings on unused black advertisement boards in New York City subway stations. The openly gay artist quickly became known for his distinctive visual style featuring animated painted figures with bold outlines rendered in bright, vibrant colors. His work served as both artistic expression and powerful social commentary, particularly advocating for LGBTQ visibility and awareness.
Throughout his career, Haring used his art as a platform for social activism, particularly in advocating for safe sex practices and raising awareness about AIDS. The disease ultimately claimed his life in 1990 when he was just 31 years old. His commitment to social causes remained unwavering until his death, using his growing fame to shine light on important issues affecting marginalized communities.
Haring's artistic legacy can be found throughout New York City's five boroughs in unexpected and prominent locations. His murals adorn a handball court in East Harlem, Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, and the bathroom of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Services Center in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, among many other sites. These public works demonstrate his commitment to making art accessible to all people, regardless of their economic status or cultural background.
The artist's reputation continued to grow through high-profile public exhibitions in Times Square and other prominent locations throughout the city. He participated in major international exhibitions including Documenta in 1982, followed by appearances in the Whitney Biennial and the São Paulo Biennial the following year. His work also extended to creating murals for museums and popular nightclubs such as the Palladium, where he painted backdrops that became legendary in New York's nightlife scene.
Recognizing the importance of preserving his artistic vision and continuing his advocacy work, Haring established the Keith Haring Foundation in 1989, just one year before his death. The foundation serves multiple purposes: preserving his artworks and archives for future generations, authorizing the use of his works in projects such as this upcoming biopic series, and providing grants to those affected by HIV/AIDS and children in need.
A spokesperson for the Keith Haring Foundation expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, telling reporters that they were thrilled to be working on the biopic project to ensure the series remains faithful to both Haring's personal history and his artistic vision. The foundation's involvement guarantees that the portrayal will be authentic and respectful to the artist's memory and values.
Director Andrew Haigh shared his perspective on the project in a recent statement, describing Haring's work as "a joyful call to action, a celebration of life even in the midst of adversity and struggle." This sentiment captures the essence of what made Haring's art so powerful and enduring – his ability to create beauty and hope while confronting difficult social realities and personal challenges.
