In 1985, Keith Haring unveiled a remarkable series of three lithographs that epitomized his ideology on the value of accessible and relatable art. Amongst this series, Lithograph 3/3 stands as a powerful testament to Haring’s distinctive style and thought-provoking imagery. Depicting two columns of figures stacked upon one another, this artwork commands attention with its bold lines and graphic intensity.
As with much of Haring’s work, the composition of Lithograph 3/3’s fusion of simplicity and ambiguity weaves an intricate tapestry that invites personal exploration, urging individuals to unravel its enigmatic threads and discover its resonance with the external world and the poignant themes it encompasses. In this lithograph, the stacked figures dance on themes of interconnectedness and shared identity, yet gestural lines and the division of the two lines suggest an imbalance in the force of the composition’s narrative and implicate a “stacked” meaning.
While the exact interpretation of the imagery is open to personal interpretation, Haring’s deliberate choice to present the towering coalitions facing one another hints at the complex dynamics of power, hierarchy, and human relationships. The vertical progression coupled with the dynamically off-balance nature of the figures seem to represent an ideological structure permeating a structural malfunction from the foundation upward, leaving the group feeling exposed and ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of the real world. Perhaps they find themselves lacking the necessary skills, substantive knowledge, values, or practical strategies to effectively assimilate their ideology into tangible actions, effectively confront or engage other factions, or to find a secure foothold in the realm of practicality.
The dappled ground beneath the figures, reminiscent of Haring’s common use of symbolism, offers a canvas for multiple interpretations. It could potentially signify the interplay of underlying themes such as AIDS and other societal struggles, as these issues intertwine and compound, leaving room for a broad range of connections and meanings. Ultimately, Lithograph 3/3 is crafted with a fluidity that has made it boundless by era and equally as contemplative, evocative, and engaging today as it was when it was created.
