Keith Haring

Condition: Excellent 

The Crack Down poster by Keith Haring, created in 1986,
is one of the artist's most significant and powerful works, both in terms of
its historical context and its position in the art market. It was designed as
part of a public awareness campaign for the fight against the crack cocaine
epidemic that was devastating communities in the United States during the
1980s.

In 1986, the crack cocaine crisis was at its peak,
especially in urban areas, and Haring, known for his activism and involvement
in social issues, created the Crack Down poster as a response to the increasing
epidemic. Haring's art has always been socially conscious, and this poster is a
direct reflection of his commitment to addressing social and political issues
through art.

The Crack Down poster was produced in collaboration with
the New York City Department of Health and was intended to be distributed as
part of the city’s efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of crack
cocaine. The image, which features Haring’s signature style of bold lines,
vibrant colours, and simple yet impactful imagery, conveys a stark message
about the harmful effects of drug abuse. The central figure in the poster is a
symbolic representation of a person, a large open-mouthed face with the words
"Crack Down" and a red warning symbol beneath it.

This public service poster was part of a larger body of
Haring's work aimed at combating various social ills, including AIDS,
apartheid, and drug addiction. Haring used his art as a platform for activism,
and this poster became one of the more iconic examples of how art can be used
for social change.

The Crack Down poster, due to its historical
significance, artistic value, and limited availability, has become an important
collectible piece within Keith Haring’s oeuvre. Unlike many of Haring’s other
works, which were often part of commercial gallery exhibitions or public
murals, the Crack Down poster was a public health initiative and was therefore
distributed in large numbers. Despite this, it remains a sought-after piece due
to its strong social message and connection to the artist's activism.

As Haring’s popularity has grown, his work, including the
Crack Down poster, has experienced significant appreciation in the art market.
Posters from this period, particularly those related to his activism, have
increased in value. The Crack Down poster is now considered a collectible piece
not only for its vibrant artistic qualities but also for its important
historical context. It is often seen as an example of how Haring’s work
transcended traditional art and became a tool for social advocacy.

In terms of collectorship, Crack Down posters are
typically valued depending on their condition, edition, and provenance.
Original posters in excellent condition, especially those that are signed by
the artist, tend to command higher prices. These posters have been sold at
auction and through galleries, with prices varying, but generally, they range
in the lower to mid-five-figure range, with signed editions or posters in
pristine condition fetching more.

Due to Haring’s continued popularity and relevance in the
art world, Crack Down remains a coveted item among collectors of contemporary
and activist art. Its historical and cultural significance, combined with
Haring’s enduring influence as an artist, ensures its status as an important
piece within the market for 20th-century art and social commentary.