Self Portrait is a 1986 print by Keith Haring and a peculiar peek into the mind of the American artist and visionary. Haring, known for his iconic and bold style, created numerous self-portraits throughout his career. This work is particularly notable for its variations on Haring’s signature style that make the audience raise a curious eyebrow at the “creature-fied” artist.

Although Self Portrait displays Haring’s characteristic bold outlines and the simplicity with which he fashions his subjects, it does stray significantly from the color-splashed works often seen in his portfolios. In fact, Self Portrait’s background is entirely shaded but for a thin, red border that makes the print look like one of the comic panels that inspired Haring’s art from the time he was a child. The portrait itself is much more detailed than his common gender-neutral, archetypal figures, presenting uncanny accuracy in capturing Haring with the utmost minimalism. Everything but the arms of an animal, which can be only mused upon, perfectly and hauntingly embodies Haring’s intuitive sage.

In this Self-Portrait, Haring’s creative persona and incredible ability to connect is immortalized. While his self-portraits may appear simplified, they possess a dynamic and expressive quality that resonates with viewers universally and became a way for Haring to produce content that was equal parts activism and art. By presenting himself in his art, the artist invited the audience to connect with his personal narrative, fostering the spirit of friendship so that they may engage with the larger societal themes he explored with a newfound perspective and trust.