176. Keith Haring
Keith Haring
(1958-1990)
Untitled (1986)
Signed, dated 86 and annotated for Wim B. center right
Felt-tip pen on paper, 50 x 37 cm (measured within the mount) / 60.2 x 50.1 cm (sheet size)
Provenance:
Collection Hans van der Meijden (1953-2013), Veenendaal, thence by descent
Note:
This drawing is dedicated to Wim B(eeren), former director of the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, who played a significant role in promoting and supporting the work of Keith Haring. Wim Beeren (1928-2000) recognized Haring's talent and the cultural significance of his art, and he curated a notable exhibition of Haring's work at the Stedelijk Museum in 1986.
The exhibition, titled 'Keith Haring: A Paradise Lost', was a retrospective that showcased Haring's iconic artworks, including his bold and vibrant graffiti-inspired paintings and sculptures. Beeren's decision to exhibit Haring's work at the prestigious Stedelijk Museum helped elevate Haring's international profile and solidify his status as an influential artist, while Haring's innovative and accessible art added a fresh perspective to the Stedelijk Museum's collection.
Wim Beeren's support for Haring extended beyond the exhibition. Beeren acquired several pieces of Haring's artwork for the Stedelijk Museum's collection, recognizing the importance of Haring's contributions to contemporary art.
This lot comes from the collection of late Hans van der Meijden, a Dutch sinologist and art historian, and a frequent contributor to various magazines such as Apollo, Oriental Art, The Antique Trader Weekly, and Burlington Magazine. He was specialized in modern art and wrote catalogs for several museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and The National Museum of Fine Arts in Taiwan.
“My contribution to the world is my ability to draw. I will draw as much as I can for as many people as I can for as long as I can.” —Keith Haring
* Condition report available upon request