“Art is nothing if you don’t reach every segment of the people.”
— Keith Haring
Haring and Basquiat didn't just decorate walls - they transformed them into mirrors of society, voices of resistance, and spaces for healing and inclusion. Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat’s street art had a significant and lasting impact on the communities they engaged with, especially in New York City during the late 1970s and 1980s. Their work brought social critique, cultural pride, and artistic expression into public spaces, changing how communities interacted with art and how art could empower people.
Keith Haring’s subway drawings on empty ad spaces turned everyday commutes into art experiences; his simple, bold images were universal, allowing people of all ages and literacy levels to engage with them. “The public has a right to art. The public is being ignored by most contemporary artists. Art is for everybody”, he said. By creating art in everyday spaces - from playgrounds to hospitals - he democratised art, ensuring people from all walks of life could experience and engage with it. Haring used his art to address urgent social issues like AIDS, racism, homophobia, drug addiction, and apartheid. Works like “Crack is Wack” in Harlem and “Ignorance = Fear / Silence = Death” educated and empowered communities affected by these crises.
Both artists addressed issues such as racism, inequality, homophobia, and the AIDS crisis. Basquiat’s work highlighted black history and heroes (e.g., jazz musicians, boxers, kings), instilling pride in African American heritage. Haring supported LGBTQ+ rights and children’s causes, reinforcing visibility and dignity for often-ignored groups. Both he and Basquiat used street art as a powerful tool for social change, transforming public spaces into platforms for activism, cultural expression, and community empowerment. Haring’s vibrant murals and subway drawings brought art to the people, raising awareness about issues like AIDS, drug abuse, and LGBTQ+ rights while promoting inclusivity and joy in underserved areas. Many of Haring’s murals remain in place today as cultural landmarks, continuing to inspire civic pride, creative expression, and social dialogue within communities. Keith Haring’s street art wasn’t just visually striking—it was a form of activism, inclusion, and hope that profoundly uplifted and unified the communities it touched.
Jean-Michel Basquiat: Social Impact Through Street Art
Meanwhile, Basquiat (as SAMO and later) used graffiti as a form of poetic protest, spray-painting cryptic, critical messages that disrupted the visual monotony of the urban environment. His work gave voice to urban youth, particularly black and Latino communities, by embedding their struggles and heritage into art. Together, their work broke down barriers between art and the public, inspired marginalized communities, and left a lasting legacy that continues to shape social and artistic movements today.
Basquiat used his art to critique systemic racism, colonialism, and capitalist exploitation. His work highlighted historical figures, often erased or ignored by mainstream culture, giving communities a renewed sense of pride. These messages transformed street corners into platforms for critical thought and rebellion, especially resonating with disaffected youth. Basquiat’s success in the mainstream art world helped legitimize graffiti and street art as serious cultural and political expression. He inspired young artists from urban communities to see value in their voices and experiences, proving that their stories belonged in elite institutions.
Shared Social Impact
Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat had profound effects on social activism through their art, using bold, accessible styles and public platforms to confront urgent social issues in the 1980s. Their works weren’t just commentary—they were calls to confront injustice, engage in dialogue, and push for change.
Their street art sparked conversations around social justice, encouraging people to reflect on systems of oppression in their own neighborhoods. It made contemporary art relatable and relevant, connecting it to everyday life, music (especially hip hop and punk), and street culture.
Today’s street art movements—ranging from mural activism to community-led public art projects—are deeply influenced by Haring and Basquiat’s work. Their work paved the way for future generations of graffiti artists, muralists, and street activists, such as Banksy.
If you would like to buy or sell a print by Keith Haring or Basquiat please contact sales@andipa.com or +44 20 7581 1244