Keith Haring Fertility 4, from the Fertility Suite, 1983 is the second of five works in the artist’s Fertility Suite of 1983. In this work, the artist illustrates a large spotted idol-like figure in orange and yellow. Its arms are stretched outwards toward either side of the composition and its torso is defined by sharp spicules jutting outwards from its center, and a form resembling the feminine gender symbol is expunged from the figures abdomen. The godly form is being supported by the strength of five smaller pink figures who appear to be pregnant. Haring’s depiction of these feminine figures reiterates the concept of the entire Fertility Suite which makes modern the place of fertility imagery in art history. The bright colors and precision of this work demonstrate Haring’s expertise in screenprinting.

Keith Haring Fertility 4, 1983 is part of a portfolio of five screenprints in the artist’s Fertility Suite of 1983. This body of work depicts forms engaging in ritualistic activities as they revel in their fecundity. The works in the Keith Haring Fertility Portfolio are:  Fertility Untitled 1, 1983, from the Fertility Suite,  Fertility Untitled 2, 1983, from the Fertility Suite,  Fertility Untitled 3, from the Fertility Suite, 1983, Fertility Untitled 4, from the Fertility Suite, 1983, and Fertility Untitled 5, from the Fertility Suite, 1983.

Created in 1983, Fertility 4, from the Fertility Suite is a color screenprint hand-signed by Keith Haring (Reading, 1958 – New York, 1990) in pencil and numbered from the edition of 100 in pencil in the lower right margin.

Keith Haring Fertility Suite:

Keith Haring was one of the most prominent and influential artists of the 20th century. His art was known for its bold and colorful style, which captured the spirit of New York City during the 1980s. One of Haring's most intriguing works is the Fertility Suite, a series of  screenprints that he created in 1983.

The Fertility Suite was created during a particularly productive period in Haring's career. He was also openly gay and was a vocal advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and education. In the early 1980s, he was becoming increasingly famous for his street art, which he created using chalk and markers on the walls of subway stations and other public spaces. Haring's art was a reflection of the energy and vibrancy of New York City, and it quickly gained a devoted following.

One of the reasons that Haring was drawn to the theme of fertility was his own personal life. In 1982, he had been diagnosed with HIV, a disease that was still poorly understood at the time. Haring's diagnosis was a turning point in his life, and it had a profound impact on his art. He began to explore themes of mortality, illness, and the fragility of life in his work.

The Fertility Suite was one way that Haring grappled with these themes. By exploring the concept of fertility, he was able to create art that was both life-affirming and deeply personal. The images in the suite are joyful and colorful, even as they grapple with serious themes.

The Fertility Suite remains an important part of Haring's legacy because it represents a turning point in his career. It was one of the first times that he had created a series of screenprints, and it marked a shift away from his street art roots. The suite was also significant because it explored themes that were deeply personal to Haring, and it allowed him to grapple with his own mortality in a creative and productive way.

Today, the Fertility Suite is considered one of Haring's most important works. The series is housed in museums and private collections around the world, and it continues to inspire new generations of artists. By creating art that was both deeply personal and universally resonant, Keith Haring left an indelible mark on the art world, and the Fertility Suite remains a testament to his creative vision and his enduring legacy.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Keith Haring Fertility 4, from the Fertility Suite, 1983 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. Littmann, Klaus. Keith Haring: Editions on Paper 1982-1990, The Complete Printed Works. Hatje Cantz Publishers: New York, 1993. Keith Haring Fertility 4 is listed and illustrated on pg. 33 a.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany our Keith Haring Fertility 4.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Keith Haring Fertility 4, from the Fertility Suite, 1983 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.