Bordered by a definitive black outline, Flowers III Keith Haring’s Flowers series unfurls a narrative both vibrant and enigmatic. The canvas is saturated in a bright yellow hue, serving as a backdrop to three distinct “flower” figures that emerge from the bottom of the frame. The one on the left stands tall and straight, exhibiting a pronounced phallic shape. It’s crowned with a toadstool-like head, speckled with coloration, echoing Haring’s poignant symbolism for the AIDS epidemic. Adjacent to this is the central and most curious element: an apple-like form containing a frame, suggesting both a protective shield and a display window.
The “flower” in the middle showcases a sense of motion or even distress, with its head curling inward, possibly indicating introspection or internal conflict. This gesture, juxtaposed with the arresting presence of the AIDS representation on the adjacent flower, and appearing within the apple-shaped frame coming from its right offers a potent commentary on vulnerability and the inner turmoil brought about by the disease.
Breaking away from his often monochromatic application of color, Haring dives into a raw and spontaneous use of color in this work. The thick, childlike strokes sometimes leave portions of the canvas peeking through, lending an unrefined quality to the piece. Additionally, the paint, in its hurried application, causes it to drip defiantly, disregarding the boundaries set by the frame.
Amid the animated use of color and form, the piece presents a dual narrative within the context of the AIDS crisis in New York as well as the artist’s struggles with the disease. It celebrates life and its inherent vivacity while also touching upon its fragilities. The apple, often symbolizing knowledge or temptation, encapsulates the “flower”, suggesting a continuous interplay between exposure and concealment, awareness, and denial. As with the rest of Haring’s creations, the artwork compels viewers to embark on a journey of personal interpretation, navigating through a maze of universally resonant and intensely personal symbols.
See also Flowers I, Flowers II, Flowers IV, and Flowers V.
