Keith Haring

"Totem" is a large-scale woodcut print created by Keith Haring in 1989, composed of three sheets. It stands out as one of the few examples of Haring’s work in the woodcut medium and is notable for its references to the ancient world.
The outline of "Totem" evokes the shape of an Egyptian mummy, with its rounded head and square feet. Within this figure, human forms are stacked upon each other, surrounded by crosses and eyes, merging to create a unique set of hieroglyphs that are distinctly Haring’s. The familiar motifs of crosses and 'matchstick' men, recurrent throughout Haring’s work, take on a more esoteric significance within the body of the totem. The name "Totem" adds depth to this piece, signifying an object of reverence and worship, often with religious or spiritual connotations. Just as the ancient Egyptians mummified their dead for the afterlife, this mummy-like figure can be seen as a spiritual totem of life and death—an especially poignant theme for Haring, who was battling AIDS at the time of the work's creation.
Totem highlights Haring’s unique visual style that would see the artist become a mainstay of private collectors, auction houses, galleries and museums worldwide.