Keith Haring Invites You to the Second Annual "Party of Life" at the Palladium. [Jigsaw Puzzle]
New York: Palladium, 1985. Original illustrated paperboard drop-box (measures 4" x 4" x 1.5") containing 100 illustrated paperboard puzzle pieces, two illustrated pins, and printed paper invite slip.
Jigsaw puzzle invitation designed by Keith Haring for his second annual Party of Life held at New York’s legendary Palladium nightclub. During his brief but prolific career, Haring invented a universe of babies, barking dogs, dancing figures and squiggly lines rendered in bold lines and bright colors, often grappling with political and social causes, particularly relating to AIDS. Haring began as a subway graffiti writer while a student at the School of Visual Arts. Instead of painting on subway cars, however, he drew on black paper with white chalk, pasting the drawings on unused ad spaces. After his rise to fame in the early 80s, Haring remained committed to keeping art accessible by working in art distribution systems that circumvented traditional galleries, making everything from public murals to MTV set decorations to wearable buttons. During the mid-80s he produced several invitations for parties and events in New York, many held at the Palladium where he was commissioned to produce murals by Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager, the club’s owners, who had previously established Studio 54. Haring hosted this, his second annual Party of Life, to celebrate his birthday in 1985 at the club (the year prior it had been held at Paradise Garage), with he and friends Jean-Michel Basquiat, Francesco Clemente, and Kenny Scharf producing decor and backdrops. The puzzle box contains: 100 puzzle pieces (complete), two square pins reproducing the puzzle artwork, and a slip of red paper stating "FREE ADMISSION WITH BUTTON." Haring’s SoHo store "Pop Shop," which sold tchotchkes and novelty art items including clothes, posters, pins, prints, toys, and magnets, opened the following year. Minor soiling to original box, else fine. Complete with all components, and rare. Item #6332
$2,200.00