Keith Haring’s Pop Shop Drawings Come to Auction For the First Time

By the time Keith Haring opened his Pop Shop storefront in 1986, he had an established cast of characters and themes in his drawings. These evolved in the subways of New York before landing in his Lower Manhattan store. This March, Sotheby’s will bring 12 preparatory Pop Shop drawings to auction for the first time. Haring completed these 11 by 14-inch drawings in 1985. These studies directly informed Haring’s Pop Shop merchandise, appearing on t-shirts, buttons, magnets, and more. Sotheby’s notes the importance of these works: “The twelve drawings included in [the auction] are the foundation of his mission to spread joy to a wide audience through his art… [They] serve as the blueprint for Haring’s oeuvre.” 

Each of the available lots highlights an iconic Haring motif. The catalog opens with a “best buddies” print. Considered a symbol of friendship and communal support, it features radiance marks above the figures’ heads. Bidders will also find a two-headed barking dog and various dancing figures on separate prints. Several less common images are available as well, including a bulbous tree of life and a dancing figure hovering above water. The offered Pop Shop drawings emphasize Haring’s positive messages that could easily be understood by the casual viewer. 

The available ink on paper drawings were acquired directly from the artist before the present owner purchased them in 1990. A certificate from the Authentication Committee of the Estate of Keith Haring accompanies each lot. For more information and to place a bid, visit Sotheby’s.