Grin
By Keith Haring, 1990
Meet one of Keith Haring's playful creations, a grinning green face with three eyes and a wide toothy smile. This bold image comes from his "Icons" series, made in 1990, the same year the artist passed away. Haring was famous for his cartoon-like style, with thick black outlines and bright flat colors that anyone could understand at a glance. He believed art should belong to everybody, not just people who visit fancy galleries, and this cheerful figure shows exactly what he meant.
Haring got his start drawing in New York City subway stations, using chalk on empty advertising panels. His simple characters quickly became recognizable across the city, and later the whole world. The three-eyed face here feels almost like a friendly alien or a goofy mask, full of energy and good humor. Look closely and you will spot the purple shapes inside the eyes and mouth, little surprises that add to its quirky charm.
What makes this piece special is how a few simple lines can carry so much warmth and personality. There is nothing complicated to figure out here. The face just smiles back at you, inviting you to smile too. That direct, joyful connection was Haring's gift, and it is why his work still feels fresh and fun today.