Lot #132: KEITH HARING - Crack Down! - Original color silkscreen

     

Artist: Keith Haring (American, 1958 - 1990).
Title: "Crack Down! [program]".
Medium: Original color silkscreen.
Date: Composed 1986.
Dimensions: Overall size: 9 x 12 1/16 in. (229 x 306 mm). Image size: 9 x 6 in. (229 x 152 mm).
Lot Note(s): Signed in black marker, lower center; signed and dated in the plate. Edition unknown, probably c2,000, few survive. Light cream smooth wove paper. Full margins. Fine impression with vibrant colors. Condition: fine. Literature/catalogue raisonne: Gundel/von der Osten 40 for the poster. Comment(s): Scarce, and rare when signed. No auction records located. The image for the program is identical to that of the image for the poster created by Haring (with the exception of the background color) at the request of the concert promoter Bill Graham. Graham revisited his old Bronx neighborhood in August of 1986 and, appalled to see that drugs had effectively wiped out the local culture, foresaw a menacing problem in the crack craze. He teamed with David Maldonado to stage a Crack Benefit in the city, but scaled back plans several times since few shared his apprehension. Ultimately, two concerts were held, one at Madison Square Garden on October 31st and the other, an all-Latin show at the Felt Forum, the following night. Much like theatrical playbills, programs have been used at concerts for decades. With information on bands and their members, it gives the concertgoer a chance to get to know the musicians they will soon see live. The program offered here is from the performance at the Felt Forum on November 1st, which featured Santana, Ruben Blades y Seis del Solar, Willie Colon, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, and Bobby Rodriguez y la Nueva Compania. Image copyright © The Keith Haring Foundation. [28364-1-225]