In 1990, influential artist Keith Haring released Icons, a set of five embossings each bearing a single symbol, that responded to relevant issues of the times and NYC street culture of the 1980s. Barking Dog is featured in Haring’s Icons series, and has become his trademark and seminal character used throughout his work. The barking dog doesn’t have a specific symbolism, rather it stands for all abuses of power, government, and oppressive regimes that demand obedience and represents authority.