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Keith Haring (1958-1990)

KeithHaringSesameStreet10.jpg

After Keith Haring: Original hand-painted and hand inked production animation cels of a Mouse and Ten Cats from the Sesame Street animated segment for the number 10 from the short "1-10," 1991, Artbear Pigmation Studio; Production numbers in ink lower right corners; Size - Mouse & Cats: 5 1/2 x 12", Cels 10 1/2 x 12 1/2"; Unframed.

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​Keith Haring (1958–1990) was an American artist whose work became emblematic of the vibrant and eclectic street culture of New York City in the late 1970s and 1980s. Emerging from the subway graffiti scene and the downtown club culture, Haring quickly developed a distinctive visual language

characterized by bold, black lines, bright primary colors, and instantly recognizable motifs such as dancing figures, radiant babies, barking dogs, and crawling babies. His imagery, though simple and playful at first glance, was deeply layered with social and political meaning, often addressing critical issues like the AIDS crisis, apartheid, drug addiction, and LGBTQ+ rights. Haring’s art was inherently public and democratic; he believed in making art accessible to everyone, removing the barriers of traditional gallery spaces and bringing creativity directly to the streets, subways, and community centers of New York City.


Haring’s fascination with movement, rhythm, and the energy of urban life naturally translated into animation, leading to collaborations with television programs like Sesame Street. For this show, Haring brought his signature characters to life through animated segments that retained the dynamic energy, playful movement, and bold color palette that defined his murals and drawings. The animations featured his iconic figures dancing, jumping, and interacting with abstract shapes, often in sync with music or narration, introducing young viewers to a lively and visually stimulating artistic experience. Unlike conventional children’s programming, Haring’s animated work carried the same vibrancy, immediacy, and inclusivity found in his public art, demonstrating that contemporary art could be both entertaining and educational.


Through his work with Sesame Street, Haring expanded the reach of his art beyond galleries and public walls, bringing contemporary, socially conscious visual language into the homes of millions of children. These segments were more than just colorful animations; they were an extension of his philosophy that art should be participatory, joyous, and accessible to all ages. The kinetic quality of his figures, their interaction with space and color, and the emphasis on rhythm and repetition mirrored the qualities of his larger body of work while creating a playful, immersive environment for children. Haring’s Sesame Street animations exemplify his lifelong commitment to merging popular culture with art, proving that creativity can educate, inspire, and entertain simultaneously. In doing so, Haring not only broadened the audience for contemporary art but also left a lasting impact on the ways in which animation and visual art can intersect in meaningful and joyful ways.

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