What does Keith Haring Converse mean to you?

Keith Haring Converse. Can you imagine! In 1987, when I walked the streets of NYC for a few months, I would never have imagined that the day would come- Keith Haring on Converse shoes.

I look at these Cons, and so many memories come flooding back. Haring stood for democratisation of his art. He drew on subway station walls. Famously said his friends were on the streets and not in museums. I think he would be very happy seeing his art on Converse. It means he won. 

Of course, so much was lost.

Back in the 80’s there was a time of such freedom, the music, art, club scene was thunderous, bold. Personalities were big, their talents bigger. Warhol, Grace Jones, Madonna. It was a great time to be young. Art, books, music, photography, music videos, all meant so much. We held it so close. We were not taking selfies, we were running around doing things. We were not donning fake designer labels, we were doing thrift shop make overs. We were ALIVE! Creating, challenging, and we LIVED for art. We ran around with books and magazines, shared music albums. On the streets, not on phones. 

And then our friends started getting sick. Then they started dying. And we had to get serious. Keith Haring dies of AIDS in 1990. Haring to me still conjures up the last days of my innocence. Of freedom we have not seen since. 

His art of Converse shoes means so much to my generation. That pure talent is eternal. And spreading joy never ceases to inspire. Love wins.

We have won some battles, maybe this should give us hope that we can win again. Never stop creating!

Available from converse.co.za