Keith Haring’s Monumental Masterpiece: ‘Untitled (Medusa)’ Goes to Auction
Keith Haring, an iconic figure in the 1980s New York art scene, is celebrated for his distinctive visual language that transformed graffiti into high art.
On June 11, Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers will offer a rare opportunity to acquire Haring’s largest graphic work ever produced, “Untitled (Medusa),” with an estimated value of DKK 750,000–800,000.
The work "Untitled (Medusa)" is the largest graphic work ever produced by Keith Haring. It is coming up for auction at Bruun Rasmussen with an estimate of DKK 750,000-800,000.
Haring’s influence on contemporary art is immeasurable. A central figure among avant-garde artists in New York, his work is recognized for its bold lines, vibrant colors, and profound social commentary. “Untitled (Medusa)” epitomizes these qualities, showcasing a Hydra-like figure composed of multiple bodies emerging from a single form. This piece, created in 1986, is notable not only for its size but also for its origin story rooted in Copenhagen.
During the summer of 1985, Haring visited Copenhagen for the “Homo Decorens” exhibition at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. It was here that he met renowned Danish printmaker Niels Borch Jensen. This encounter led to the creation of “Untitled (Medusa)” at BORCH Editions printmaking studio. Niels Borch Jensen recalls the collaboration: “I had installed my first large press earlier that day, and we decided to meet at my studio the next day to make the biggest print we could. I prepared the plates, and when he arrived, he set to work immediately, sitting on the floor, without preliminary sketches or drawings. He started with the figure’s shoulders and built the motif from there. It only took him a few hours to complete all three plates.”
Niels Borch Jensen and Keith Haring, 1986. Photo courtesy of BORCH Editions
The resulting artwork measures over one meter high and almost 2.5 meters wide, rendered in aquatint on Hahnemühle paper. This monumental piece stands as a testament to Haring’s ability to transcend traditional boundaries of scale and medium.
Keith Haring’s legacy extends beyond his artistic achievements. He was a pioneer of the street art movement and a committed activist. Haring’s work often explored complex themes such as sexuality, gender, religion, and politics. His art was accessible, intended for everyone, and his public murals and subway drawings brought art into everyday spaces.
Haring’s activism was integral to his art. He was a vocal advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, nuclear disarmament, and anti-apartheid movements. His dedication to social causes is reflected in his art, which remains relevant and resonant today.
Keith Haring, 1986. Photo courtesy of BORCH Editions.
The auction of “Untitled (Medusa)” offers collectors a unique opportunity to own a significant piece of art history. This grandiose work not only embodies Haring’s iconic style but also marks a pivotal moment in his career and his collaboration with BORCH Editions. As Niels Boe-Hauggaard, Head of Modern Art at Bruun Rasmussen, notes, “Keith Haring’s works are the epitome of New York’s art scene in the 1980s, but this work was created by the artist in Copenhagen and is therefore – unbeknown to many – a Danish slice of the legendary artist’s life and work.”
For collectors and enthusiasts, this auction represents a chance to acquire a piece of Haring’s groundbreaking legacy. “Untitled (Medusa)” is not just an artwork; it is a monumental piece that captures the essence of Haring’s artistic and activist spirit.
