The world of art is constantly evolving, with new artists emerging every day and pushing the boundaries of creativity. Recently, the name “Mr. Doodle” (whose real name is Sam Cox) has been making headlines for his unique style of doodling that has garnered him a significant following and a spot in the world’s art auctions. Mr. Doodle, also known as Sam Cox, is a popular street artist known for his distinctive doodle style. He gained popularity in the 2010s for his playful and colorful graffiti and murals, which often feature cartoon-like characters and bold lines. He has been featured in galleries and exhibitions around the world, and his art can be found on walls in cities across the globe. While his work may seem fresh and innovative, some have raised questions about the similarities between his style and that of the late Keith Haring.
Keith Haring was a pop culture artist of the 1980s who became known for his bold and colorful works that often featured cartoon-like characters. He was also known for keeping his prices low and making his art accessible to a wider audience through his Pop Shop in Manhattan’s SoHo district. However, it’s important to note that Haring’s work was not just about creating visually pleasing images, it had a political agenda behind it. His art tackled issues such as racism, poverty, and AIDS, and he used his platform to raise awareness about these important issues. He is considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century, known for his bold and colorful pop art style. He rose to fame in the 1980s and was heavily involved in the New York City art scene. His works often featured simplified figures and symbols, which he used to comment on social and political issues of the time. Haring’s work continues to be celebrated and exhibited around the world. Additionally, both artists’ work is considered “graffiti” and “street art” which is a subculture movement that continues to be celebrated and evolve in the contemporary art world.
On the other hand, Mr. Doodle’s work appears to lack the political and social commentary that was present in Haring’s art. Instead, his doodles often feature cute and whimsical characters, which may appeal to a wider audience. While it’s true that there are similarities in their art styles, the message and intent behind their work are vastly different.
It’s also worth noting that Mr. Doodle’s rise to fame has happened rather quickly. According to an article by ArtNet News, he ranked sixth in artists under 40 generating income at auction in 2020. His success can be attributed to his branding (albeit, strikingly similar to Keith Haring’s), a clever publicity and PR agent as his art is always being published on Instagram and YouTube.
It’s important to remember that art is a subjective matter, and what one person may find unoriginal, another may find inspiring. It’s up to the individual viewer to decide whether Mr. Doodle’s work is original or a mere imitation of Haring’s style. Ultimately, whether or not an artist is copying another’s work, it’s the quality and impact of the art that truly matters.
While Mr. Doodle’s work may resemble Keith Haring’s in style, it’s important to note that Haring’s art had a political agenda and a message behind it, while Mr. Doodle’s work lacks that aspect. Both artists have their own unique talents and it’s up to the viewer to decide which one resonates more with them. The art world is constantly evolving and it’s exciting to see new artists like Mr. Doodle, who bring their own perspective and style to the table.