Untitled
by Keith Haring
Year: 1989
Medium: Photo Collage
Size: 24 1/2 × 29 1/2 in (62.2 × 74.9 cm)
Ink and Gouache with Herb Ritts Photo Collage on Handmade Dutch Paper
Dating to 1989, Keith Haring’s Untitled combines ink and gouache with a Herb Ritts photo collage on handmade Dutch paper, measuring 24 1/2 × 29 1/2 inches (62.2 × 74.9 cm). Created near the end of Haring’s life, the work carries poignant historical resonance, uniting his expressive vocabulary with photography. Its distinctive mixed-media character and documented ArtLife availability enhance its appeal to discerning collectors.
Untitled (Littmann p. 50) by Keith Haring is a strong example of the artist’s 1985 graphic language, when his subway-born symbols were moving decisively into the gallery and print market. It is not a street-graffiti edition; rather, Haring translated the speed, rhythm, and immediacy of his public drawings into a studio screenprint. His subway practice had already established a new model for accessible art, reaching thousands of New Yorkers outside traditional institutions.
The work’s bold lines and simplified figures turn movement into a universal language. Haring’s recurring symbols can suggest energy, sexuality, connection, play, and social tension, while the open composition invites viewers to find their own meaning.
For collectors, the 1985 edition of 150 offers an attractive balance of rarity, recognizability, and market accessibility. It belongs to an important period in Haring’s career, making it a compelling choice for collectors seeking an authentic 1980s work rather than a later reproduction.
At ArtLife Gallery, we value this kind of Haring for its directness: it feels immediate, yet rewards closer viewing. It connects naturally to his subway drawings, Pop Shop, Icons, and Radiant Baby works, positioning it as a smart acquisition for a focused Haring collection.
Keith Haring (1958–1990) was an influential American artist known for his bold lines, vivid colors, and instantly recognizable figures that helped define the New York art scene of the 1980s. Combining elements of Pop Art, graffiti, and street culture, Haring created energetic artworks featuring dancing figures, barking dogs, radiant babies, and symbolic imagery exploring humanity, love, social justice, and political activism.
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Haring moved to New York City in 1978 to study at the School of Visual Arts. He gained public attention through his chalk drawings on unused subway advertising panels, transforming everyday urban spaces into accessible public art. His distinctive visual language soon attracted international recognition and led to exhibitions, collaborations, and large-scale murals.
In 1986, Haring opened the Pop Shop in Manhattan, offering prints, clothing, and other products featuring his designs. The shop reflected his belief that art should reach people beyond traditional galleries and museums. Throughout his career, he addressed important social issues, including racism, apartheid, drug abuse, and the AIDS epidemic.
After being diagnosed with AIDS in 1988, Haring continued creating art and established the Keith Haring Foundation in 1989 to support AIDS-related organizations and children's programs. He died in 1990, aged 31, leaving a lasting legacy in contemporary art.
Today, Keith Haring art prints and original artworks remain sought after by collectors worldwide. Understanding an artwork's edition, condition, provenance, and market history is essential when evaluating its value. Explore our guide to Keith Haring print valuation and learn more about the investment potential of Keith Haring art.
More Keith Haring Works to Explore
Untitled
by Keith Haring
Year: 1989
Medium: Photo Collage
Size: 24 1/2 × 29 1/2 in (62.2 × 74.9 cm)
Ink and Gouache with Herb Ritts Photo Collage on Handmade Dutch Paper
Dating to 1989, Keith Haring’s Untitled combines ink and gouache with a Herb Ritts photo collage on handmade Dutch paper, measuring 24 1/2 × 29 1/2 inches (62.2 × 74.9 cm). Created near the end of Haring’s life, the work carries poignant historical resonance, uniting his expressive vocabulary with photography. Its distinctive mixed-media character and documented ArtLife availability enhance its appeal to discerning collectors.
Untitled (Littmann p. 50) by Keith Haring is a strong example of the artist’s 1985 graphic language, when his subway-born symbols were moving decisively into the gallery and print market. It is not a street-graffiti edition; rather, Haring translated the speed, rhythm, and immediacy of his public drawings into a studio screenprint. His subway practice had already established a new model for accessible art, reaching thousands of New Yorkers outside traditional institutions.
The work’s bold lines and simplified figures turn movement into a universal language. Haring’s recurring symbols can suggest energy, sexuality, connection, play, and social tension, while the open composition invites viewers to find their own meaning.
For collectors, the 1985 edition of 150 offers an attractive balance of rarity, recognizability, and market accessibility. It belongs to an important period in Haring’s career, making it a compelling choice for collectors seeking an authentic 1980s work rather than a later reproduction.
At ArtLife Gallery, we value this kind of Haring for its directness: it feels immediate, yet rewards closer viewing. It connects naturally to his subway drawings, Pop Shop, Icons, and Radiant Baby works, positioning it as a smart acquisition for a focused Haring collection.
Keith Haring (1958–1990) was an influential American artist known for his bold lines, vivid colors, and instantly recognizable figures that helped define the New York art scene of the 1980s. Combining elements of Pop Art, graffiti, and street culture, Haring created energetic artworks featuring dancing figures, barking dogs, radiant babies, and symbolic imagery exploring humanity, love, social justice, and political activism.
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Haring moved to New York City in 1978 to study at the School of Visual Arts. He gained public attention through his chalk drawings on unused subway advertising panels, transforming everyday urban spaces into accessible public art. His distinctive visual language soon attracted international recognition and led to exhibitions, collaborations, and large-scale murals.
In 1986, Haring opened the Pop Shop in Manhattan, offering prints, clothing, and other products featuring his designs. The shop reflected his belief that art should reach people beyond traditional galleries and museums. Throughout his career, he addressed important social issues, including racism, apartheid, drug abuse, and the AIDS epidemic.
After being diagnosed with AIDS in 1988, Haring continued creating art and established the Keith Haring Foundation in 1989 to support AIDS-related organizations and children's programs. He died in 1990, aged 31, leaving a lasting legacy in contemporary art.
Today, Keith Haring art prints and original artworks remain sought after by collectors worldwide. Understanding an artwork's edition, condition, provenance, and market history is essential when evaluating its value. Explore our guide to Keith Haring print valuation and learn more about the investment potential of Keith Haring art.