The Flowers IV print from Keith Haring’s Flowers series stands out as an interplay between abstract expressionism and figurative art, all set against a backdrop of vivid color and symbolism. Nestled within a striking black boundary, a fiery red background comes alive, serving as the theater for the four unique figures that reside within.

On the outer edges, two figures rise, built from rounded components resting on green bases. These shapes echo organic structures, perhaps budding flora, hinting at themes of growth and metamorphosis. To the right, an imposing green form stands tall, its convoluted, labyrinthine patterns imbuing it with an ancestral or totemic aura, akin to a sentinel or guardian. Yet, its pronounced presence may also allude to a formidable power or entity, with intentions either nurturing or nefarious.

Central to the piece, two “flower” figures display distinctly humanoid contours. One, defined by its curvaceous silhouette, evokes femininity. The exaggerated attributes of this figure resonate with the historical imagery of the Hottentot Venus, introducing themes of objectification and exoticism, while weaving conversations on femininity into the broader narrative of the AIDS era. Adjacent to this, a figure ascends, its stretched structure crowned by a series of concentric blue rings. This mesmerizing motif, suggestive of a target or a gateway, engages viewers with its mysterious allure, urging them towards introspection. Haring’s hallmark speckled design graces both entities, reiterating the looming shadow of the AIDS pandemic and challenging its label as solely a gay male affliction. This dark subtext contrasts with the artwork’s luminosity, highlighting life’s oscillation between elation and adversity.

Mirroring the approach seen in the series, Haring’s color use is uninhibited and forthright. His robust brushwork, brimming with naive zest, occasionally exposes the canvas beneath. This deliberate rawness, accentuated by free-flowing paint that drips past its confines, adds a sense of urgency to the piece, imploring viewers to recognize and respond to its profound messages.

Blurring the boundaries between figuration and abstraction, this artwork weaves a multifaceted tale. Each shape invites interpretation and exploration, resulting in a layered mosaic of interpretations anchored by Haring’s distinct motifs.

See also Flowers I, Flowers III, Flowers III, and Flowers V.