Flying Devil is a screen print created by Keith Haring in 1990. It belongs to the “Icons” series, one of the final collections Haring introduced before his untimely passing. The artwork prominently features a vibrant red Devil, soaring with a black cross or “X” emblazoned on its chest, set against a luminous yellow background. Haring’s distinctive use of bold, curvaceous lines imparts a sense of vitality and motion, a recurrent theme in his oeuvre. He often employed vivid colors and a flat illustrative style as a commentary on the burgeoning culture of mass consumption.

While Haring was deeply committed to social activism, he was also profoundly inspired by the artistic genius of Andy Warhol and the Pop Art Movement of the 1960s. These influences are palpable in his creations, particularly within the Icon series. With hyper-digestible works like Flying Devil and the rest of his Icons, Haring aimed to harmonize the realms of high art and popular consumption. He was tenacious in his endeavor to blur the boundaries between pop culture, fine art, and political activism.

Moreover, “Flying Devil” serves as a critique of Christian religious fundamentalism, touching upon the Jesus Movement of the 1970s. The red figure can be interpreted as ascending from Hell towards Heaven. Eschewing text, Haring strategically used symbols to convey intricate political and anti-religious sentiments, adopting an upbeat visual language. He was adept at transmitting potent messages, ensuring that the profound narratives embedded within his art were accessible and resonant to a broad audience.

Other famous Icons by Keith Haring include the Flying Angel, the Radiant Baby, and the Barking Dog.