#keithharing

scopOphilic_micromessaging_836 - scopOphilic1997 presents a new micro-messaging series: small, subtle, and often unintentional messages we send and receive verbally and non-verbally.

Happy New Year!

In 1978, Keith Haring wrote the following in his journal:

“It is important to the future existence of the human race that we understand the importance of the individual and the reality that we are all different, all individuals, all changing and all contributing to the ‘whole’ as individuals, not as groups or products of ‘mass identity,’ ‘anti-individual,’ stereotyped groups of humans with the same goals, ideas, and needs.” 

His words reflect the time when computers and technology were coming to the fore, complicating the role of artists and their place in the world.

Haring continued: “The role of the artist in human existence is going to be tested and tried. It is possibly the most important time for art the world has ever seen. The artist of this time is creating under a constant realization that he is being pursued by the computers. We are threatened. Our existence, our individuality, our creativity, our lives are threatened by this coming machine aesthetic.” 

As humanity has transitioned into computer and internet age in the decades since Haring’s journal observations, how do we see our own existence and the role of artists now? Back then, Haring called on his fellow artists to face the threat: “It is going to be up to us to establish a lasting position of the arts in our daily lives, in human existence.” – Haring, Journal 14.

Image 1: Front cover with journal drawing in red pen from 1977 journal

Image 2-4: Page spreads from Haring’s journal entries with handwritten texts and drawings, 1971-1979

Image 5: Drawing in red pen from Haring’s journal entries, 1977