Keith Haring

Printed by

Rupert Jasen Smith, New York

Published by

Martin Lawrence Editions

Dimensions

Sheet: 30.5 × 38.1 cm (12 × 15 in.)

Literature

Littmann, Klaus. Keith Haring: Editions on Paper 1982–1990 (The Complete Printed Works). Hatje Cantz, 1993, illustrated on p. 82.

The Keith Haring Foundation.

Condition

In very good condition.

Catalogue Note

Published in 1987, Pop Shop I (Plate 2) forms part of Keith Haring's landmark Pop Shop I portfolio, the first of six celebrated Pop Shop print series that translated the artist's instantly recognisable street imagery into fine-art editions. Printed in Haring's characteristic palette of turquoise, red, yellow, purple and black, the suite captures the vitality, optimism and universal appeal that made him one of the defining artists of the 1980s.

The portfolio takes its name from Haring's pioneering Pop Shop, opened in New York's SoHo district in 1986. Conceived as an extension of his democratic artistic philosophy, the Pop Shop enabled visitors to purchase affordable works featuring his imagery, including posters, T-shirts, badges and books. Haring famously remarked that he wanted it to be a place where "not only collectors could come, but also kids from the Bronx," reflecting his belief that art should be accessible to everyone rather than confined to galleries and museums.

The present composition exemplifies Haring's extraordinary gift for communicating complex ideas through a deceptively simple visual language. The rhythmic arrangement of dancing figures, linked together in movement and animated by radiant energy lines, conveys themes of family, community, celebration and human connection. Although immediately joyful and playful, the work also reflects Haring's broader exploration of social interaction, unity and shared experience—subjects that remained central throughout his career.

Printed by the master printer Rupert Jasen Smith and published by Martin Lawrence Editions, Pop Shop I is regarded as one of Haring's most important graphic portfolios. The crisp screenprinting, vibrant colour registration and bold black outlines demonstrate the exceptional production quality that characterises Haring's finest editioned works.

Today, the Pop Shop portfolios remain among the artist's most sought-after prints. Combining the visual immediacy of his subway drawings with the refinement of master printmaking, Pop Shop I (Plate 2) perfectly embodies Haring's enduring belief that great art should be both intellectually engaging and universally accessible.