Keith Haring reuses particular symbols, all present in the Icons series, to produce a memorable pictorial language. The symbols used in this portfolio first appeared in Haring’s New York subway drawings from early on in his career, notably the Radiant Baby ‘tag’ that the artist used in place of his signature on public art projects. Uncompromising in its positive tone, Haring’s syntax of signs in this series creates a universal language to be seen and understood by the masses of New York, thus producing a true public art charged with meaning.
Using light-hearted imagery and the visual language of commercialism and mass media, Haring critiques the proliferation of capitalism in 1980s New York. Haring used his art to oppose the negative effects of capitalism and mass consumerism, undoubtedly inspired by the Pop Art movement of the 1960s and his friend, Andy Warhol. The Icons series prints are rendered in flat, saturated colors as a nod to the rise of commercialism and mass production in Haring’s lifetime. Heavily influenced by Andy Warhol and the wider Pop Art movement of the 1960s, his work bridges the gap between high art and mass consumerism so as to dissolve boundaries between fine art, political activism, and popular culture. As evidenced by his famous Pop Shop, Haring conflated high art with commercialism and so claimed to mirror the capitalist world that he lived in.
The Icons series is also notable for its reworking of traditional Christian iconography to critique organized religion and the government amidst the HIV/AIDS epidemic of 1980s New York. Rooted in his encounter with the Jesus Movement of the 1970s, prints like the Radiant Baby, Angel, and Flying Devil are demonstrative of the way the artist shapes religious source material to reflect contemporary concerns of his generation. Haring’s use of redemptive imagery overflows with paradoxical themes like life and death, good and evil, religion and sexuality, heaven and hell, to speak to the ambiguities and socio-political injustices of the time.
Radiant Baby is cherished as Haring’s most recognizable image. The radiant baby, characterized by bold lines and radiant energy, is more than just an artistic motif; it's a symbol of connectivity and universality. This figure, often depicted crawling and surrounded by radiant lines, represents the essence of life and the unadulterated potential inherent in every human being. Haring's choice of a baby, a universal symbol of new beginnings and untapped potential, resonates with people regardless of their cultural or social backgrounds.
Rendered in his characteristic pop-graffiti style, the figure is boldly outlined in black with thick, radiating lines pulsating from its body. The symbol first emerged in Haring’s work during his days as a subway artist in New York, where he used the Radiant Baby in place of his signature, known as his ‘tag,’ on public art projects. In Haring’s own words, the radiant baby was “the purest and most positive experience of human existence.” This statement underscores his belief in art as a vehicle for expressing fundamental truths about humanity. The radiant baby, with its simplicity and profound symbolism, became a conduit for Haring to communicate these truths, embodying innocence, hope, and the promise of new life.
Featuring a simplified line drawing of a dog barking, Barking Dog is rendered with thick, squared-off black outlines and set against a vivid red backdrop, conveying a sense of urgency to the viewer. Haring’s Barking Dog, with its mouth gaping open, represents the artist's suspicion of socio-political authority. Delineated with a continuous angular line, the image is loaded with a sense of urgency and encourages viewers to be cautious of the establishment. The barking dog, a recurrent motif in Haring’s oeuvre, symbolizes both alertness and rebellion, capturing the spirit of street art and the artist's critique of societal norms. This powerful image serves as a call to action, urging the public to question and resist the status quo.
Establishing a sinister presence within the series, Three-Eyed Monster shows an eager and grinning face with three large eyes looking to the side. It is rendered in flat, saturated colors and thick outlines, characteristic of Haring’s bold, graphic style. The three-eyed figure represents a departure from traditional human features, introducing an element of the grotesque that is both playful and unsettling. The additional eye suggests an enhanced perception or awareness, hinting at a deeper insight into the human condition and societal issues. This monstrous figure captures the viewer’s attention and provokes contemplation on the nature of seeing and being seen.
Haring’s Three-Eyed Monster can be interpreted as a commentary on the pervasive surveillance and the intrusion of privacy that were becoming more prevalent during the 1980s. The exaggerated eyes symbolize a society where individuals are constantly watched and judged, echoing fears of government surveillance and societal scrutiny. At the same time, the monstrous and somewhat humorous appearance of the figure invites viewers to question their own biases and perceptions. The combination of the grotesque and the playful in the Three-Eyed Monster reflects Haring’s ability to blend serious social commentary with a distinctive, engaging visual language, making complex issues accessible and thought-provoking for a broad audience. Through this icon, Haring challenges viewers to confront their own perceptions and the often unseen forces that shape their lives.
Using Christian iconography as his source material, Haring creates an uplifting image of a yellow-winged angel, depicted with dynamic movement and energy through his use of bold lines. The Angel icon holds significant meaning in Haring’s work, serving as a symbol of hope, protection, and spiritual guidance. Amidst the socio-political challenges of the 1980s, including the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Haring’s Angel offers a sense of divine intervention and reassurance, presenting a counterpoint to the era's anxieties and struggles.
The Angel also reflects Haring’s critique of organized religion and its response to contemporary issues. While traditionally representing purity and sanctity, Haring’s dynamic portrayal invites viewers to question the role of religious institutions in addressing social and moral challenges. The Angel transcends its religious origins to become part of Haring’s universal visual language, blending profound social commentary with vibrant and accessible art, and encouraging reflection on faith, compassion, and activism.
Using bold, rounded lines to cultivate a sense of energy and movement, Flying Devil depicts a striking red-winged devil with a cross on its chest, set against a bright yellow backdrop. Haring’s choice of imagery is provocative, combining elements of both good and evil within a single figure. The Flying Devil challenges the binary notions of morality, reflecting the complex and often contradictory nature of human experience. By placing a cross on the devil's chest, Haring’s prompts viewers to reconsider the simplistic labels of good and evil, urging a deeper exploration of the moral ambiguities present in society.
The Flying Devil also serves as a reflection of Haring’s commentary on the socio-political climate of the 1980s, a period marked by the Cold War, the HIV/AIDS crisis, and the crack epidemic. The devil figure, traditionally a symbol of fear and malevolence, is rendered in a dynamic and almost playful manner, suggesting a critique of how evil is perceived and represented. Haring’s use of vibrant colors and energetic lines transforms the devil into a symbol of resistance and resilience. The Flying Devil, with its dual symbolism and striking visual presence, captures the spirit of rebellion against oppressive systems and the fight for justice and equality. Through this icon, Haring not only questions societal norms but also empowers viewers to confront and challenge the evils they encounter in their own lives.
In Keith Haring's Icons series, each symbol—the Radiant Baby, Angel, Flying Devil, Three-Eyed Monster, and Barking Dog—contributes to a vibrant tapestry of social commentary and artistic expression. Through these powerful and accessible symbols, Haring creates a universal language that speaks to the human condition, bridging the gap between high art and popular culture, and urging viewers to reflect on the world around them. The Icons series stands as a testament to Haring’s ability to infuse his symbols with deep meaning, making profound statements on innocence, hope, morality, fear, and defiance, all within the bold and colorful style that defined his career.
