A guerrilla street artist who goes by “Keith Haring’s Ghost” has been beautifying the electric box eyesores of Jacksonville, Florida with images inspired by the late, great Haring as protest to the city failing to pass an equal rights ordinance that would have granted workplace protection based on sexual orientation.
He chose Haring’s distinct style because of what he feels the artist represents — this form of art, he says, emphasizes equal rights, love and peace. We tend to agree.
“What I tried to do is to stick with Keith’s philosophy 100 percent,” he said. “It’s upsetting to live in a city where someone, because of who they love, can be discriminated against their job. It’s pretty weird.”
Jacksonville police are keeping up with the Ghost, taking the art down as soon as it comes up. Perhaps they aren’t aware that street art can improve the fabric of a city, make people happy by bringing novelty to mundane daily commutes and stimulate local economies when word spreads and people come to check it out.
Or maybe they just don’t like the Ghost’s message.
Well since it’s the time of year for love and hearts, we thought we’d share some of our favorite paintings by Keith Haring, the gay artist and activist who carved a place in pop culture with his iconic take on sexuality, love and loss in the 80s.
Don't forget to share:
