in online exhibition 55 Years of Schellmann Art
Totem [wood], 1988/1989
Carved plywood, painted in colors, 184 x 56 x 5 cm (72 x 22 x 2 in). Edition of 35, signed and numbered.
Keith Haring’s Totem series, which includes only three editions, all created for Edition Schellmann, is a vibrant and powerful exploration of primal symbols and human connection, reflecting his signature style and deep engagement with contemporary culture. Produced in the 1980s – a period of significant social and political upheaval – these works embody Haring’s belief in art as a powerful means of communication and social transformation.
At the core of the Totem works are Haring’s iconic figures and symbols, which convey universal themes of love, unity, and spirituality. Drawing inspiration from indigenous art and ancient civilizations, he constructed his totems using bold, graphic lines and dynamic compositions that seem to radiate energy and movement.
Renowned for their striking visual impact and timeless message of love and unity, the Totem series remains one of the artist’s most significant bodies of work.
