Label Text
As a social activist and artist, Haring focused on creating an accessible and public form of art that could be enjoyed and understood universally. Haring underwent traditional artist training, but shunned conventional techniques and instead found inspiration in graffiti, animation, and the chaos of New York City. The human figure, reduced to basic lines and bright colors, was his primary subject, and is often portrayed brimming with energy and dancing as in this sculpture. "For me, the most effective public sculpture would function as visual and physical entertainment," Haring wrote. "I think public art (unless there is a specific political or ideological message) should make people feel comfortable, and brighten their environment."
Published ReferencesSchmitt, Tim, "Metro Moxie: Des Moines Gets Things Done", Drake Blue, Spring 2014, Drake University, color ill. pg.20
"John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park", Lea Rosson DeLong, ed., Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, Iowa, 1923, pp. 76-79
Published ReferencesSchmitt, Tim, "Metro Moxie: Des Moines Gets Things Done", Drake Blue, Spring 2014, Drake University, color ill. pg.20
"John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park", Lea Rosson DeLong, ed., Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, Iowa, 1923, pp. 76-79
DimensionsOverall: 120 × 135 × 125 in. (304.8 × 342.9 × 317.5 cm)
Overall: 3500 lb. (1587.6 kg.)
Overall: 3500 lb. (1587.6 kg.)
Accession Number 2010.116
Classificationssculpture
CopyrightUntitled (Three Dancing Figures, version C) © The Keith Haring Foundation, or if space is limited, © Haring Foundation
EditionEdition 1 of 3
Provenance(Deitch Projects, New York); (John and Mary Pappajohn, Des Moines); Des Moines Art Center [gift of the previous commissioned from the prior, 2009]