Born in Pennsylvania, in 1958, Haring was inspired by Walt Disney and Dr Seuss to start drawing as a child. The basic cartoon drawing that he developed, inspired by these two icons of Americana and his father, led him to the Ivy School of Professional Art in Pittsburgh, a commercial arts school, where he became disinterested in commercial art and pursued a career as a graphic artist, dropping out after two semesters.
Moving to New York in the same year, he became friends with fellow artists Kenny Scharf and Jean-Michel Basquiat, as well as the musicians, performance artists and graffiti writers that comprised the burgeoning art community. Haring was swept up in the energy and spirit of this scene and began to organise and participate in exhibitions and performances at Club 57 and other alternative venues. Taking on the subjects of his era, still pertinent to this day, AIDS, drugs and the "other", Haring's unique style brings a vibrancy and energy, almost childlike, to these serious issues. Sadly short-lived, his career and longevity have transcended popular culture into the canon of art. Inherently human, touching with a frantic sense of the "now" his works seem to capture all of human existence in their bold and defiant expression.
The symbols created by Haring were his way to communicate with the public who would cross them on the street. Coded and written into the societal issues of the day, Haring developed his own visual language that can still be seen and felt in today’s world. Icons, released in 1990, is a culmination of the artist’s life, work and visual language. Comprising of his best-known icons—the radiant baby, angel, flying devil, three-eyed monster and barking dog—the set is a limited edition of 250. Indeed, there is an element of self irony within the title as, whether intentional or not, the images, by that time and ever since, had become iconic.
In typical Haring fashion, there is a sense of primordial energy about each of the works. The central figures, seemingly disparate, seem to dance from the sheet with bold lines suggesting movement, energy and vibrance. Arguably the most famous and sought after, Radiant Baby shows a minimalist figure crafted from bold, fat lines, that crawls across a sky blue background Haring is said to be inspired by religious texts and images and one can certainly see how innocence, a central tenant within Christianity with its promise of everlasting life and salvation, is suggested in the child-like figure - perhaps a nod towards the baby Jesus.
Next we have the dog with its angular lines and playful bark that seems to bound from the page. The dog can be seen across many of the artist’s outdoor works either dancing or starting upright on two feet. The dog has an air of aggression, faceless and jagged, it can suggest a sense of danger and of imminent violence. This symbol has been famously channelled in Banksy’s Choose Your Weapon series where a hooded figure walks the cubist canine. Discover Banksy limited edition prints for sale.
Part of the almost hieroglyphic works, the monster started as a smiley face that was developed over time and a third eye was added. If we take religion as an influence on Haring’s oeuvre, we could look at the eastern idea of the third eye being a mystical invisible eye, usually depicted as located on the forehead, which provides perception beyond ordinary sight. The monster, in this instance, may represent humanity’s more basic and less desirable attributes yet the third eye in the work suggests the potential for an awakening of sorts.
The angel figure, that swoops down in its hallowed golden colour, is set to a cool grey background. It goes without saying that the angel itself is an obvious nod towards religion. However, in typical Haring fashion he adapts the motif - stipping it to its essence and so powerfully communicates what this symbol means. There is a primordial, almost hieroglyphic sense to his style that seems to transcend both culture, creed, religion and time. Both familiar and unfamiliar, this is an uncanniness to this symbol.
Finally, duality and balance are given to the angel from an almost vampiric, devil-esque creature. Jagged and flapping, a thick X appears in the centre of the human body that has wings that make us recall those of bats - animals associated with the night, darkness and the darker side of our nature.
With the Icons series, Haring brought together his most beloved and recognisable symbols. Since his death his works have continued to reach and inspire millions across the globe and speak to us on an almost intrinsic level. For more information about our Keith Haring signed prints for sale or to buy original Keith Haring artworks on paper, contact Andipa Editions via sales@andipa.com or call 020 7589 2371.