Keith Haring's foray into ink on vellum drawings during 1981 signifies a pivotal moment in his artistic development, offering insight into his experimental approach and thematic preoccupations. These works, notably part of his "Blueprint Drawings," were conceived between December 1980 and January 1981, a period marked by prolific creativity and exploration for Haring. Utilizing sumi ink on vellum, a material choice that underscores the blending of traditional techniques with his contemporary visual language, Haring embarked on creating seventeen blueprint drawings. This series was not only a technical endeavor but also a conceptual one, as Haring engaged with the process of blueprinting to produce multiple copies of each drawing, bringing his work into a broader public domain.
The creation of these drawings coincided with Haring's fascination with public and accessible art. He frequently visited local blueprinters, explaining and sharing the content of his works with the staff, which indicates his desire to demystify art and make it accessible to a wider audience. This interaction with the community around the blueprint shop underscores Haring's commitment to social engagement through art.
In February 1981, these drawings were exhibited at the Westberth Painter’s Space, marking Haring's first solo exhibition in New York City. While the original drawings were not sold at this exhibition, Haring's practice of creating photostats of each drawing prior to their sale ensured that the essence of the original works was preserved. This methodological approach to reproduction speaks volumes about Haring's understanding of art's temporal and replicable nature.
The "Blueprint Drawings" series encapsulates Haring's early artistic concerns and his embrace of art as a communicative tool. It reflects a seminal period where Haring was defining his visual language, characterized by bold lines, dynamic figures, and an unmistakable energy that would come to define his career. This body of work serves as a testament to Haring's innovative spirit and his belief in the democratization of art, themes that remained central throughout his career (Guy Hepner) (Artsy).