Keith Haring's Pop Shop Drawings, presented by Gladstone Gallery in 2019, showcased a series of works on paper created in the late 1980s for Haring's iconic Pop Shop. These drawings were instrumental in the design of prints and merchandise sold at the shop, featuring a variety of forms and figures in Haring's signature style. These compositions, predominantly in black and white, underscored Haring's exploration of drawing as a medium and his ability to convey a unique reality through a distinct visual language. His drawing practice, known for its spontaneity and automatic creation, included motifs that became central to his Pop Shop items, demonstrating his skill in engaging a broader audience beyond the conventional art sphere. The exhibition included both well-known and obscure motifs, addressing themes such as sexuality, religion, economics, and technology, and showcased Haring's knack for experimenting and pushing the boundaries of his creative expression (Gladstone Gallery).
The Pop Shop itself, which opened in downtown Manhattan in 1986, was a testament to Haring's desire to make art accessible to all. It was a place where Haring's art was made available in various forms, including t-shirts, badges, and magnets, often featuring his iconic symbols like the barking dog, radiant child, and winged angels and devils. This venture reflected Haring's commitment to democratizing art, making it available to a wider public beyond the galleries and museums. His works for the Pop Shop, characterized by bright colors, bold outlines, and simplified forms, continued the visual language developed in his early subway art. These creations underscored his belief in art's ability to bring joy, engage with social issues, and break down the barriers between high and low culture. Even after Haring's passing, the Pop Shop remained a vital part of his legacy, closing its doors in 2005 after twenty years of making art accessible to people from all walks of life (MyArtBroker).
Together, the Pop Shop Drawings and the shop itself highlight Keith Haring's enduring influence in art and culture, demonstrating his innovative approach to art-making and his profound commitment to social activism and accessibility.