Keith Haring’s Iconic Subway Art Heads to Sotheby’s Auction for the First Time
Sotheby’s unveils 31 rare subway drawings in a unique exhibit, celebrating Haring’s vision of accessible art for all.
In a showcase of one of the most iconic art collections of the 1980s, Sotheby’s New York is set to auction Art in Transit: 31 Keith Haring Subway Drawings from the Collection of Larry Warsh. This collection, featuring 31 original subway drawings by Haring, will be presented at Sotheby’s Contemporary Day Sale on November 21 with an estimated value between $6.3 to $9 million.
The drawings, created between 1980 and 1985, represent Haring’s drive to make art accessible to all. Often using chalk, he transformed unused ad spaces in subway stations into temporary canvases that would be seen by millions of commuters daily. “These works will come to life once again in a special immersive exhibition at Sotheby’s, which will recreate the 1980s New York City subway,” says Kathleen Hart, Head of Session at Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Day Auction. “We look forward to sharing these incredible drawings with all and introducing them to a new generation who will experience his genius for the very first time.”
Sotheby’s immersive exhibition, in collaboration with Samsung, will be open to the public from November 8 to November 20 at the York Avenue galleries. Designed to replicate a vintage 1980s subway station, the exhibit will feature period-specific elements such as turnstiles and benches, along with advanced Samsung displays that showcase archival footage of Haring creating his art in real-time, adding a layer of authenticity to the experience.
Keith Haring, a pivotal figure in the 1980s New York art scene, began his subway drawing series after noticing blacked-out ad panels on subway walls. He saw these empty spaces as an opportunity to spread his art to the public. Known for his radiant babies, barking dogs, and flying saucers, Haring’s work resonated with countless subway riders, achieving his goal of making art accessible beyond traditional gallery walls.
With Art in Transit on the auction block, Haring’s work will undoubtedly capture the attention of collectors worldwide, ensuring that his legacy continues to impact both art lovers and the general public.
