Viewer discretion advised for Ludo 5, a 1985 lithograph on paper by Keith Haring. Haring, recognized for his astute ability to capture the grotesque and absurd elements of life with potency, takes it up a notch in the Ludo series with gnarly ambiguity. The heavy mood and chaos of line dispersion in this series feel distinct from his other more simplistic figures, and Ludo 5 is no exception. The contorted figures and parts project an eerie aura, and the stark contrast between the red and black lines is almost fevered. It’s a deliberate choice that demands attention.
But there’s more to this piece than just the macabre imagery. Haring, who had a spiritual upbringing, may be alluding to the afterlife or an unsettled society during the HIV/AIDS crisis. The lone hand that rises from the ground, reminiscent of the undead, appears to be struggling or even breaking. The world is flipped sideways, as if everything has been turned on its head, Serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of that era on people’s lives. Through this whimsically evocative, yet simple piece, Haring’s archetypal imagery is able to make cross-cultural connections and invite audiences to explore connections between the artwork, society, and self.
