Keith Haring‘s 1986 screen print on paper titled Bad Boys, from a succession of works of the same name, is a magnetic piece that showcases the artist’s exploration of queer sensuality.

With a delicate balance between ambiguity and clarity, Bad Boys ventures from Haring’s commonly geometric style into elegant and curvilinear brushwork reminiscent of the blending and bleeding of watercolor. The ambiguous nature of the art allows for a multiplicity of meanings, encouraging viewers to actively participate in decoding the work. It features linework resembling male figures intertwined in an intimate embrace, their bodies contorted in a sensual dance of desire. The composition exudes a raw and passionate energy, with bold lines and phallic suggestion adding to the visual impact of the piece. Haring’s distinctive style, characterized by its dynamic and animated quality, infuses the artwork with a sense of vitality and movement.

This artwork holds particular significance in the context of the 1980s when the LGBTQ+ community was fighting for visibility, acceptance, and equal rights. Even its title, Bad Boys, satirizes, challenges, and reclaims the prejudicial narrative that same-sex love is “bad” by turning hate into beautiful art. Haring embraced his identity and desire as an openly gay artist, channeling these aspects into his powerful artworks. Through his creative expressions, he fearlessly challenged societal norms and prejudices, igniting a spark of connection and inclusivity among individuals who resonated with his experiences and emotions. Bad Boys is a fiercely touching piece that strikes a harmonic note between Keith Haring’s artistic mastery and his heart.