Rebellious: The Story of Keith Haring in 12 Pictures by Michael G. Long

Description

Rebellious: The Story of Keith Haring in 12 Pictures
by Michael G. Long
Hardcover | ISBN: 1324083948

Bold, energetic, and visually rich, Rebellious introduces a new generation of readers to the life and legacy of Keith Haring, one of the most influential queer artists and activists of the twentieth century.

Told through twelve of Haring’s most iconic artworks, acclaimed author Michael G. Long traces the artist’s journey from a rebellious young creator in Pennsylvania to an internationally recognized cultural force whose art transformed public spaces and political conversation alike.

For Keith Haring, art was never just decoration. It was protest, celebration, confrontation, and community.

Each chapter centers on a pivotal piece of Haring’s work, revealing how his unmistakable visual style emerged alongside his activism and deeply held beliefs. Long explores Haring’s refusal to conform to the expectations of the traditional art world, his commitment to making art accessible outside elite galleries, and his fierce dedication to queer visibility, racial justice, anti-nuclear activism, and AIDS awareness.

Readers follow Haring as he sketches illegally throughout the New York subway system, transforms gallery culture by welcoming marginalized communities into elite art spaces, and uses his art to respond directly to the social crises of the 1980s. The book also examines Haring’s openness about his sexuality and the ways his identity as a gay man shaped both his personal life and creative work.

Written in an engaging and accessible style for young adult readers, Rebellious balances biography, art history, and political activism while emphasizing the enduring relevance of Haring’s message today. Accompanied by seventy-five full-color photographs, the book vividly captures both the urgency and joy that defined his work.

Inspiring, informative, and visually compelling, Rebellious is perfect for readers interested in LGBTQ+ history, contemporary art, social justice, activism, and the life of one of America’s most iconic queer artists.