Arabic version: أعمال غير مرئية لكيث هارين ستُعرض في مزاد بعد معرض كيرميت أوزوالد
A collection of previously unseen works by renowned artist Keith Haring is set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s New York. The works, curated from the collection of Haring’s childhood friend, Kermit Oswald, will be displayed in an exhibition titled “Haring’s House: Works From the Collection of Kermit Oswald” this month, with auctions scheduled for 14 and 15 May.
According to The Guardian, the collection includes 20 pieces, with the highlight being a self-portrait from 1985, estimated to fetch between $3 million and $5 million. Another notable item is a painted crib, created by Haring, which is valued at $250,000 to $350,000. This crib, adorned with images of dachshunds and figures representing Oswald and his wife, Lisa, represents a personal connection between the artist and his friend.
Oswald, who has known Haring since childhood, reflects on their bond and creative collaborations. The two friends shared a passion for art from a young age, engaging in various artistic pranks and projects together. As Haring gained fame in the 1980s, Oswald remained a supportive figure, even as he witnessed Haring’s struggles with health issues related to HIV.
The exhibition provides a unique glimpse into Haring’s personal life and artistic evolution, showcasing works that have never been publicly displayed before. Oswald expresses his desire for the art to be accessible to the public, emphasizing that art should serve a purpose beyond ownership. His goal is for these pieces to find a place in a museum, allowing them to inspire and connect with a broader audience.
The auction reflects Haring’s enduring legacy as a significant figure in contemporary art and AIDS activism, demonstrating the continued demand for his works even decades after his passing on 16 February 1990.
