This image from the famous Keith Haring is one that truly embodies the characteristics of wellness mentioned on the collection’s wall label. Firstly, this composition is such an attention grabber in the context of the rest of the photographs, the majority being monochromatic. The colors used are the most contrasting together, and they could have just as symbolic a meaning as the images themselves do. The tricolor format that each of the four images uses could be representative of mind, body, and spirit, three elements of a human that relate to one’ wellness. The actions and figures in the image also help connect the points mentioned on the label which include the changing of the body and adaptation to change. Two of the four images depict figures with joined bodies in an erratic motion, one whose body is curling up, and one who seems to be levitating above water. The figure levitating above water could symbolize the adaptation to change, of surface in this case. The other three could symbolize the change in body, or the constant development of one’s characteristics. This composition vividly captures and expresses the topics associated with wellness mentioned by the gallery label.
Keith Haring, American, 1958 – 1990. Pop Shop Quad II. 1988 (Printed later). Artstor, library.artstor.org/asset/28163203