Keith Haring Pop Shop: April Availabilities

Opening on April 19 1986 in SoHo’s Lafayette Street, Haring launched his first Pop Shop - the concept would go on to redefine artist/fan interaction and inspire brands across the world.

In his own words he said, ''There were so many copies of my stuff around that I felt I had to do something myself so people would at least know what the real ones look like.''

Decorated by Haring, the small store was decided with only one of each item on display with  a salesclerk checking off the things customers wanted to buy and merchandise was picked up at a counter - a counterculture Argos if you will. Perfectly described by Haring, the store was  his "version of fast food or fast art.'

The Pop Shop series, available as single works and quadrants, pay homage to the original Pop Shop ventures. Featuring the artist's signature hieroglyphic style, the works are replete with the imagery and icons that have permeated not only the street art world but wider, contemporary. Figures intertwine and dance across the sheets in a bold explosion of colour and energy capturing the eternal spirit and creativity of Haring.

Haring used his Pop Shop to reach a wider audience and forgo the traditional gallery model that was prevalent at the time. Indeed, his approach to democratic sing art can be seen from his early subway drawings, an approach that would be central throughout his career. "The use of commercial projects has enabled me to reach millions of people whom I would not have reached by remaining an unknown artist. I assumed, after all, that the point of making art was to communicate and contribute to culture." 

Explore more original Keith Haring prints available at Andipa Editions.

For more information on any of the works featured, contact sales@andipa.com or call +44 (0)20 7589 2371.