Radiant

The Life and Line of Keith Haring

By: Brad Gooch

Narrated by: Graham Halstead

SOON TO BE A TV SERIES WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY ANDREW HAIGH

New York Times Book Critics Favorite Book of the Year · Washington Post Notable Book of the Year

“It’s all here: the grade school Walt Disney and Dr. Seuss; the adolescent acid trips; the fondness for Post-it notes and flying saucers; the long tails of Dubuffet and Burroughs; the encounters with Madonna, Warhol, and one game-changer of a subway Johnny Walker Red poster. Brad Gooch takes us deep into Keith Haring’s imagination while somehow managing to fix the aura and energy of the 1980s New York art scene to the page. A keen-eyed, beautifully written biography, atmospheric, exuberant, and as radiant as they come.”—Stacy Schiff, Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Revolutionary: Sam Adams

A stunning life of the iconic American artist, Keith Haring, by the acclaimed biographer Brad Gooch.

In the 1980s, the subways of New York City were covered with art. In the stations, black matte sheets were pasted over outdated ads, and unsigned chalk drawings often popped up on these blank spaces. These temporary chalk drawings numbered in the thousands and became synonymous with a city as diverse as it was at war with itself, beset with poverty and crime but alive with art and creative energy. And every single one of these drawings was done by Keith Haring.

Keith Haring was one of the most emblematic artists of the 1980s, a figure described by his contemporaries as “a prophet in his life, his person, and his work.” Part of an iconic cultural crowd that included Andy Warhol, Madonna, and Basquiat, Haring broke down the barriers between high art and popular culture, creating work that was accessible for all and using it as a means to provoke and inspire radical social change. Haring died of AIDS in 1990. To this day, his influence on our culture remains incontrovertible, and his glamorous, tragically short life has a unique aura of mystery and power.

Brad Gooch, noted biographer of Flannery O’Connor and Frank O’Hara, was granted access to Haring’s extensive archive. He has written a biography that will become the authoritative work on the artist. Based on interviews with those who knew Haring best and drawing from the rich archival history, Brad Gooch sets out to capture the magic of Keith Haring: a visionary and timeless icon.

A Gift

This book is a gift to the world so future generations can understand not just the indelible marks Keith Haring left in our world through his art, but how his mark keeps giving back. His story is one not just for art enthusiasts but for those who need clarification on the post-modern realization of celebrity activism being necessary to impact our government to step up funding of scientific research to protect humanity. The timing of this message is perfect as our world is recovering from yet another deadly epidemic as our current government has cut funding of medical research.

very moving portrait of a great soul

Excellent in every way. Thoroughly enjoyed this masterful portrait of a truly amazing man and artist.

excellent!

fantastic book that sets the stage for 80s NYC - what an enjoyable read 10 out of 10

Leaves you wanting more…

I knew the ending but still cried. This book is beautifully written and narrated about an artist who was globally celebrated before his death, which is not always the case. He’s my favorite contemporary artist and his love, life and activist languages are forever captivating. I may have to listen again.

Beautiful and Heart breaking.

Keith Haring’s story is inspiring and compelling! The narration is very professorial, rather than energetic and reflective of the incredible life he lived.