Image 1 of 4
Image 2 of 4
Image 3 of 4
Image 4 of 4
Curatorial Summary
In this 1988 composition, Keith Haring departs from his traditional "Barking Dog" motif to explore a more complex, anthropomorphic form. This figure aligns with his late-period fascination with totemic iconography and ancient symbology—a stylistic shift closely linked to his acclaimed "Mother Goddess" series and his exploration of Afro-Cuban and Aboriginal visual traditions. By depicting the canine figure in an upright, standing position with partitioned geometric sections, Haring elevates the subject from a common street tag to a modern deity.
This 1988 design provides a more graphic and layered perspective on one of the artist's most recognized icons. Moving away from the classic four-legged canine, this figure reflects Haring’s late-period "puzzle-like" compositional approach. The interlocking lines and vibrant color blocks transform the work from a simple animal depiction into a profound pillar of Haring’s symbolic visual language.
Symbology & Anatomy
The work reflects Haring’s mastery of the "sacred line," where every stroke is continuous and purposeful. The interior of the figure is divided into distinct geometric segments—red, yellow, and blue—suggesting a structural complexity akin to ancient tribal shields. The anthropomorphic stance repositions the dog as a sentient, guardian-like figure, reminiscent of the Egyptian god Anubis.
The most striking detail is the anatomical duality within the figure. Upon closer inspection, the lines forming the dog’s torso and arms resemble two human figures interlocked in an embrace or a single figure with outstretched arms. Through this technique, Haring showcases his genius for merging multiple symbols into a single silhouette. The centralized geometric divisions and bold use of primary colors instill the piece with the characteristic "totemic" energy of Haring’s late 1980s output.
Highlights
Iconographic Rarity: A significant departure from the standard four-legged canine motif, making it a highly sought-after variant for specialized Haring collections.
1988 Context / Stylistic Milestone: Represents the peak of Haring's stylistic maturity and his synthesis of Pop Art with "Primitive" symbols, documenting the final major evolution of his aesthetic.
Estate Authority: Fully authenticated and published by the Keith Haring Foundation (1990), ensuring the highest level of market trust and archival documentation.
Portfolio Diversification: As number 19/150, this early-pull edition from the 1990 release offers superior visual clarity and a unique narrative edge for archival-grade portfolios.