Haring’s trajectory and rise to fame saw the artist become both a commercial and critical success whilst riding the wave of street and peer popularity. Originally known for his New York subway drawings, Haring's first taste of “traditional gallery promotion” was his solo exhibition at Tony Shafrazi Gallery in 1982 that led him to international recognition. During the course of the next two years Haring continued to produce subway drawings which were seemingly taken by the public as quickly as Haring could masterfully jump off of a subway train and scribble his primal, childlike images in chalk on the black soulless advertising boards. Conversely, his surging popularity meant that only a select few could afford to buy his art, and soon people were selling imitations of his drawings.
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.'' 
Supported by friend and mentor Andy Warhol, Haring felt that the Pop Shop was "keeping ideologically with what Andy was doing and what conceptual artists and earth artists were doing: It was all about participation on a big level.”
The popularity of the Pop Shop led to Haring collaborating with Japanese film producer Kaz Kuzui and opening a Pop Shop in Tokyo, in the Aoyama neighbourhood. Moving to Japan further cemented the global reach of the artist and allowed him to share new works and experiences with collectors in another location.
Closing its doors on on August 28, 2005 the New York Pop Shop was an iconic part of not only the artist but his legacy, Refining the concept of accessible art we see the Pop Shop live on in a number of guises such as Banksy’s GDP pop up in Croydon as well as the modern approach of art drops that create such buzz and excitement for collectors. The Keith Haring Foundation offers Haring memorabilia through an on-line Pop Shop. The original Pop Shop ceiling was later donated to the New York Historical Society and is installed in its entry where it continues to inspire new generations of collectors from across the world.
Discover our collection of original Keith Haring prints for sale and Keith Haring artworks for sale or contact Andipa via sales@andipa.com or call +44 (0)20 7589 2371. Alteratively, if you own works by Haring and want to sell Keith Haring print, do get in touch.