In 1987, Keith Haring created a captivating series of eight masks that are a testament to his diverse artistic influences and his exploration into sculpture, an area he pursued earnestly starting in 1985. These works, including the Untitled (Burning Skull), are characterized by Haring's signature vibrant enamel on aluminum, showcasing his iconic rhythmic, black contoured forms. The series stands out for its blend of exoticism, drawing from Haring's interest in folk and "outsider" art forms, as well as the early modernism of Western masters and influences from African and Mesoamerican cultures. This eclectic mix allowed Haring to forge his unique iconography, marrying his social commentary with a broad array of cultural expressions (Lévy Gorvy).
One piece from this series, the Untitled (Grace Jones Mask), highlights Haring's ability to transcend traditional art boundaries, merging pop art with spiritual and cultural motifs. The masks not only reflect Haring's signature style but also his ability to convey deeper narratives and social critiques through art. His work often balanced celebratory themes of life and love with more somber reflections on illness, power, and mortality, showcasing a depth that went beyond his more recognized cheerful imagery (Phillips).
The Hollywood African Mask from 1987, another part of this series, emphasizes Haring's venture into blending different cultural aesthetics, underscoring his commitment to making art that was accessible and deeply rooted in societal commentary. This work, like others in the series, showcases Haring's distinctive approach to art, where high and low culture, along with a mix of global artistic traditions, are seamlessly blended to create pieces that are both thought-provoking and visually striking (Haring).
These masks underscore Haring's artistic legacy as a figure who was not only a key player in the New York City graffiti art scene of the 1980s but also a visionary who pushed the boundaries of art to include a wide array of influences, making it a powerful tool for social change.
