Keith Haring
Totem Print, 1989
Woodcut print on paper
75 1/2 x 35 in
191.8 x 88.9 cm
191.8 x 88.9 cm
Edition of 60
Series: Totem
Copyright The Artist
Keith Haring's Totem series is a vibrant and dynamic exploration of primal symbols and human connection, reflecting the artist's distinctive style and his deep engagement with contemporary culture. Created in...
Keith Haring's Totem series is a vibrant and dynamic exploration of primal symbols and human connection, reflecting the artist's distinctive style and his deep engagement with contemporary culture. Created in the 1980s, during a time of social and political upheaval, the Totem series embodies Haring's belief in art as a powerful tool for social change and communication.
At the heart of the Totem series are Haring's iconic figures and symbols, which he used to convey universal themes of love, unity, and spirituality. Inspired by the art of indigenous cultures and ancient civilizations, Haring's totems are composed of bold, graphic shapes and lines, arranged in dynamic compositions that seem to pulse with energy and life.
One of the defining features of the Totem series is its sense of movement and rhythm. Haring's figures twist and turn, intertwining with each other in a choreographed dance of form and color. This sense of fluidity and motion creates a sense of connection between the individual elements of the totem, as well as between the viewer and the artwork itself.
Haring's use of color in the Totem series is also notable, with vibrant hues of red, yellow, and blue dominating many of the compositions. These bold colors serve to heighten the emotional impact of the artwork, drawing the viewer in and inviting them to explore the depths of Haring's imagination.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the Totem series carries profound symbolic meaning. Haring saw totems as powerful symbols of community and shared identity, representing the bonds that unite us as human beings. In a world increasingly fragmented by social and political divisions, Haring's totems serve as a powerful reminder of our common humanity and the importance of empathy and understanding.
The Totem series remains one of Keith Haring's most enduring and beloved bodies of work, celebrated for its visual impact and its timeless message of love and unity. Through his art, Haring sought to break down barriers and build bridges between people of all backgrounds and beliefs, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift audiences around the world.
At the heart of the Totem series are Haring's iconic figures and symbols, which he used to convey universal themes of love, unity, and spirituality. Inspired by the art of indigenous cultures and ancient civilizations, Haring's totems are composed of bold, graphic shapes and lines, arranged in dynamic compositions that seem to pulse with energy and life.
One of the defining features of the Totem series is its sense of movement and rhythm. Haring's figures twist and turn, intertwining with each other in a choreographed dance of form and color. This sense of fluidity and motion creates a sense of connection between the individual elements of the totem, as well as between the viewer and the artwork itself.
Haring's use of color in the Totem series is also notable, with vibrant hues of red, yellow, and blue dominating many of the compositions. These bold colors serve to heighten the emotional impact of the artwork, drawing the viewer in and inviting them to explore the depths of Haring's imagination.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the Totem series carries profound symbolic meaning. Haring saw totems as powerful symbols of community and shared identity, representing the bonds that unite us as human beings. In a world increasingly fragmented by social and political divisions, Haring's totems serve as a powerful reminder of our common humanity and the importance of empathy and understanding.
The Totem series remains one of Keith Haring's most enduring and beloved bodies of work, celebrated for its visual impact and its timeless message of love and unity. Through his art, Haring sought to break down barriers and build bridges between people of all backgrounds and beliefs, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift audiences around the world.
