Keith Haring Andy Mouse 4, from the Andy Mouse Portfolio, 1986; Keith Haring’s Andy Mouse Series of 1986 pays homage to his close friend, hero, and mentor Andy Warhol whom he was introduced to following his second exhibition in New York at the Tony Shafrazi Gallery in 1984. Believing that cartoon figures could become integrated into the world of fine art, and regarding both Warhol and Walt Disney as creative heroes, Haring’s Andy Mouse bonds together the work of these significant pop culture icons while also diving into the subversive nature of commercialism and consumerism. Haring states that the this series is “like treating him [Warhol] like he was part of American culture, like Mickey Mouse was. That he himself had become a symbol, a sign for something complete, universally understandable. He sort of made this niche for himself in the culture. As much as Mickey Mouse had…putting him on a dollar bill was just making him even more like an icon or part of the American dream.” By treating Warhol as a larger-than-life symbol in his own right, Haring elevates Warhol from an artist to a cultural icon.

This large-scale set of four screen prints skillfully combine three different symbols of commerce – the dollar sign, Mickey Mouse, and Andy Warhol. Using these symbols in tandem with his own unique signature brand of ambiguous caricatures and figures, Haring created an exuberant and engaging collection of works while also reintroducing the commercial colors of 1960s pop with a deceptively small color palette. In creating a square composition using silkscreening, Haring references Warhol’s work which often takes form in square silkscreens. Additionally, this method of printing allows the artist to create saturated and precise illustrations in large numbers.

By combining Andy Mouse with the repetitive use of the dollar sign, Haring ingeniously manipulates the ideas and concepts of Pop into his own distinctive and individual hand-drawn style. Haring’s ability to transform Warhol into one of the most internationally recognizable and celebrated cartoons while creating a strong visual impact shows the brilliant culmination of Haring’s entire oeuvre, while also being able to elucidate the massively recognizable iconography that is continuously seen throughout. His mastery of referencing postmodern Pop Icons, such as Mickey Mouse, as well as the bold graphic quality and complex compositions, marks this as a formative Haring work which continues to remain relevant to contemporary art today.

Keith Haring Andy Mouse (Plate 1) is the first installment of the Andy Mouse Series of 1986. Andy Warhol stands at attention at the top of a pile of money, arms folded neatly behind his back, his signature spiky hair affixed to the top of his head with two round mouse ears noticeably sticking out from either side.

Keith Haring Andy Mouse (Plate 2) is the second installment of series and illustrates an off-white-colored mouse modeled again after Mickey Mouse, adorned in Warhol’s signature thick glasses and spiked hair now colored in pink. Maintaining the same aloof expression from the previous work, he is hoisted into the air by five of Haring’s signature ambiguous figures who dance joyfully around, their arms above their heads as they celebrate the symbol of an omnipresent gaze that comes from Warhol as he continues to stare towards the viewer, a vacuous regard for those admiring him.

Keith Haring Andy Mouse (Collaboration with Andy Warhol), 1986, the third work in the Andy Mouse series portrays two of Haring’s figures colored head to toe blue holding a giant dollar bill with Andy Mouse at the center above their heads as they elatedly dance in celebration. Envisioned in red, Warhol contrasts the green of the dollar bill and stands out boldly with his hands behind his back, peering out at the viewer.

The final installment of the Andy Mouse series is Keith Haring’s Andy Mouse (Plate 4), 1986. A disgruntled Andy Mouse stands solitary against a bright orange background, donned in the appeal of Mickey Mouse, from the round ears, the bright-red hot pants with silver buttons, down to his signature yellow shoes. Warhol’s spiky hair and sunglass help identify the caricature as the Pop-Art king despite his skin being painted green, with a large dollar sign painted on his personage, front and center; a visual representation of Warhol and Disney’s undeniable influence on Haring, as well as the shared artists’ knowing relationship with commercialism.

Created in 1986, this set of 4 silkscreen screenprints are hand-signed by Keith Haring (Reading, 1958 – New York, 1990) in pencil in the lower right margin and hand-signed by Andy Warhol in pencil in the lower left margin. Numbered from the edition of 30 in pencil in the lower right margin.

Keith Haring Andy Mouse series:

The collaboration between Keith Haring and Andy Warhol resulted in a notable series known as the "Andy Mouse" series. Created in the mid-1980s, this series combines Haring's signature style with Warhol's iconic imagery, resulting in a dynamic fusion of the two influential artists.

The "Andy Mouse" series features Haring's cartoonish figure of a mouse with the distinctive face of Andy Warhol. Haring took inspiration from Warhol's own fascination with commercial icons and celebrity culture, incorporating Warhol's image as a way to pay homage to the influential Pop artist.

The collaboration between Haring and Warhol was not only a merging of artistic styles but also a meeting of two generations of artists. Haring, a rising star in the art world, admired Warhol's work and saw him as a mentor and inspiration. The "Andy Mouse" series became a way for Haring to pay tribute to Warhol's influence on his own artistic development.

In the "Andy Mouse" series, Haring's bold lines and vibrant colors breathe new life into Warhol's image, creating a playful and energetic representation. The mouse figure, which was a recurring motif in Haring's work, symbolizes innocence, curiosity, and a sense of wonder, while Warhol's face adds a layer of celebrity and cultural commentary.

Haring and Warhol both shared an interest in blurring the boundaries between high and low art, embracing popular culture, and challenging the traditional notions of what art could be. The "Andy Mouse" series reflects this shared sensibility, merging elements of street art, Pop art, and cartoon imagery.

The collaboration between Haring and Warhol extended beyond the creation of the "Andy Mouse" series. They also worked together on other projects, including a mural for the Pop Shop, a store founded by Haring that aimed to make art accessible to a wider audience.

The "Andy Mouse" series was met with positive reception, as it showcased the creative synergy between Haring and Warhol. It highlighted their ability to merge their distinct artistic approaches while paying homage to one another's contributions to the art world.

The series also serves as a testament to the enduring influence of both Haring and Warhol. Their artistic legacies continue to resonate with audiences, inspiring subsequent generations of artists and shaping the trajectory of contemporary art.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Keith Haring Andy Mouse 4, from the Andy Mouse Portfolio, 1986 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Klaus Littman. Keith Haring: Editions on Paper 1982-1990, The Complete Printed Works. Hatje Cantz Publishers: New York, 1993. Keith Haring Andy Mouse 4  is listed on pg. 65 and illustrated on pg. 64.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany our Keith Haring Andy Mouse 4.

About the Framing:

Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Keith Haring Andy Mouse 4, from the Andy Mouse Portfolio, 1986 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.