Keith Haring Pop Shop Shopping Bag / Advertisement
Original commercial store shopping bag, likely framed as a decorative object • Keith Haring (after or licensed); originally designed by the artist for his retail boutique
Style & Movement
Pop Art / East Village Street Art scene
Medium & Technique
Screenprint on heavy plastic or high-density polyethylene bag, custom framed in a metal shadowbox style frame
Creation Period
Circa 1986-1990
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches (visual estimate); vertical portrait format
Subject Description
Composition features Haring's iconic radiant star, dancing figures, and barking dogs in a bright orange linear style against a black background. Includes the address (292 Lafayette Street) and subway directions for Haring's 'Pop Shop' retail outlet.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the printing remains vibrant, though common creases from its original use as a bag are likely present behind the glass
Estimated Market Value
US$500 - US$1,200 (Note: Value is highly dependent on being an original 1980s bag versus a modern reproduction)
Auction Estimate
US$400 - US$800
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the Keith Haring Pop Shop in New York City during the late 1980s or from a secondary market collector of 1980s ephemera
Art Historical Significance
Represents the democratization of art through Haring's Pop Shop, which aimed to make art accessible to everyone beyond the high-end gallery system. These bags have become a quintessential piece of pop culture ephemera from 1980s NYC.
Notable Features
Features Haring's printed signature and the TM symbol near the star; includes subway line details (B, D, F, RR, 6) specific to the Manhattan transit map of the era.
Condition Issues
Common issues for these items include horizontal and vertical fold lines from storage, potential surface scuffs to the plastic, and minor loss of screenprint ink at crease points.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-filtering glass and acid-free archival mounting to prevent the plastic from becoming brittle and the orange ink from fading due to light exposure.