In this 1989 screenprint, Keith Haring pays tribute to the illustrious literary magazine, The Paris Review. Limited to 200 copies and signed by the artist, the artwork is an effusion of playfulness, presenting a beaming figure adorned with a clown’s makeup, complete with a merry red nose. This jovial character is further accentuated by its quirky spaghetti or wormlike hair, emerging from the line of its otherwise bald head encased in the tranquil light blue that matches one of its twinkling eyes. To the left, a dainty hand emerges, curiously toying with one of the hair strands, adding an element of unexpected interaction.

Adjacent to the clown, a vivid red block captures attention with the whimsically outlined block letters spelling “The Paris Review.” This block of color not only accentuates the magazine’s title but also lends a bold contrast to the overall composition. The entirety of this lively scene is framed with a sunlit yellow border, encapsulating the energy and vibrancy that Haring is renowned for.

This isn’t Haring’s maiden venture into crafting art for the magazine. In the nascent stages of his stardom, back in the fall of 1982, he had contributed cover art for the publication. This tribute, crafted at the zenith of his fame, is not just a nod to his own journey but also a testament to his lasting admiration for the literary world. Through this piece, Haring’s quintessential style and the literary essence of the magazine come together in a vibrant celebration of art and literature.