Pop Art:
* Andy Warhol: Haring's iconic, bold lines and use of repetitive imagery are reminiscent of Warhol's pop art style.
* Roy Lichtenstein: Lichtenstein's use of bright colors, comic-book aesthetics, and simplified forms influenced Haring's visual vocabulary.
Street Art and Graffiti:
* Jean-Michel Basquiat: Haring and Basquiat were close friends and contemporaries, both working in a similar style of street-inspired art.
* The New York Graffiti Movement: Haring's use of public spaces for his art, his bold lines, and his energy all reflected the vibrant street art scene of New York City in the 1980s.
Abstract Expressionism:
* Jackson Pollock: Pollock's drip paintings, with their spontaneous and energetic lines, influenced Haring's use of line and gesture.
Other influences:
* Ancient Egyptian Art: Haring was fascinated by hieroglyphs and their use of symbols.
* Japanese Manga and Anime: The vibrant colors, dynamic lines, and bold storytelling of these art forms resonated with Haring.
* Cartooning: Haring's simple figures and playful imagery were informed by his love of cartoons.
The Social and Political Landscape:
* The AIDS Crisis: Haring's work often addressed the AIDS crisis and its impact on the gay community, becoming a powerful symbol of activism and awareness.
Important Note: While these artists and movements were significant influences on Haring's style, he developed his own unique voice and style, which continues to inspire artists today.