Growing 5 is a 1988 silkscreen on paper by Keith Haring, Pop artist and activist. Keith Haring’s Growing portfolio is one of thematic richness that reflects the artist’s belief in art for change. As an activist, Haring used his art as a vessel for raising awareness for many socio-political issues that ranged from LGBTQ+ rights and the AIDS epidemic to the influence of media, religion, and politics. Throughout his career, Haring maintained a unique connection to audiences of all ages and paths with a manner of illustration that was simultaneously simplistic and complex. Haring’s influences of aboriginal arts, his graffiti artist background, Egyptian hieroglyphics, and even Dr. Seuss, all enabled him to create universally understood imagery and employ symbolism that communicated messages to his audiences.

Growing 5 is lively in color, bold in line, and curious in its message. It depicts two clear figures, positioned in tiers and one larger than the other. They are flanked by dynamic, color-blocked shapes that seem to be infringing on the space of the central figures. The red character, with a bomb-like shape resting between its legs, evokes the image of a cross and seems to be pushing against the outer figures as if to separate them. Above the composition, a blue, soft-lined shape floats, as if a cloud on the verge of rain. The color placement of Growing 5 and the form design is suggestive of a naturalistic environment, perhaps even an allusion to war. Although the figures of Growing 5 are starkly contrasting in color and are decisive in shape, their tiered positioning and overlapping extremities intertwine them in a way that connects their stories, yet leaves the door open to interpretation for their relationship. Regardless of the interpretation, Growing 5 offers the opportunity for meaningful reflection and the enjoyment of beautiful art.