Pop Shop
Encyclopedia
The Pop Shop were stores that sold voluminous memorabilia of artist Keith Haring
's designs. Haring originally opened two Pop Shops; one at 292 Lafayette Street in SoHo
(which closed in 2005) and one in Tokyo (which closed in 1988). Every area of the store was devoted to Haring's work including floor-to-ceiling murals, which provided a clubhouse atmosphere. The Tokyo Pop Shop, shipped from Tokyo to Europe was recently restored and exhibited in Saint Tropez, France by art publisher George Mulder of Berlin. Keith Haring's Pop Shop served to fulfill the artist's desire to make his iconic and beloved imagery accessible to the widest possible range of people both during his lifetime and posthumously through the Keith Haring Foundation, Inc. Haring, who viewed the Pop Shop as an extension of his work, stated:
"Here's the philosophy behind the Pop Shop: I wanted to continue the same sort of communication as with the subway drawings. I wanted to attract the same wide range of people and I wanted it to be a place where, yes, not only collectors could come, but also kids from the Bronx … this was still an art statement."
Graffiti kids from the Bronx did hang out at the New York Pop Shop, along with Soho art types, Madonna
, and others. Photographer Tseng Kwong Chi
recorded many events related to the creation of the Tokyo Pop Shop.
The store closure took place in an attempt to minimize the increasing expenses associated with operating a retail venture (especially in the hip urban areas). There are no plans to reopen the Pop Shop. Pop Shop merchandise, however, will continue to be available through international licensing and exhibition related projects. The Keith Haring Foundation offers Haring memorabilia through an on-line Pop Shop.
In September 2009, the shop has been reconstructed as part of London
's Tate Modern
's exhibition Pop Life: Art in a Material World.
Keith Haring
Keith Haring was an artist and social activist whose work responded to the New York City street culture of the 1980s.-Early life:...
's designs. Haring originally opened two Pop Shops; one at 292 Lafayette Street in SoHo
SoHo
SoHo is a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City, notable for being the location of many artists' lofts and art galleries, and also, more recently, for the wide variety of stores and shops ranging from trendy boutiques to outlets of upscale national and international chain stores...
(which closed in 2005) and one in Tokyo (which closed in 1988). Every area of the store was devoted to Haring's work including floor-to-ceiling murals, which provided a clubhouse atmosphere. The Tokyo Pop Shop, shipped from Tokyo to Europe was recently restored and exhibited in Saint Tropez, France by art publisher George Mulder of Berlin. Keith Haring's Pop Shop served to fulfill the artist's desire to make his iconic and beloved imagery accessible to the widest possible range of people both during his lifetime and posthumously through the Keith Haring Foundation, Inc. Haring, who viewed the Pop Shop as an extension of his work, stated:
"Here's the philosophy behind the Pop Shop: I wanted to continue the same sort of communication as with the subway drawings. I wanted to attract the same wide range of people and I wanted it to be a place where, yes, not only collectors could come, but also kids from the Bronx … this was still an art statement."
Graffiti kids from the Bronx did hang out at the New York Pop Shop, along with Soho art types, Madonna
Madonna (entertainer)
Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983...
, and others. Photographer Tseng Kwong Chi
Tseng Kwong Chi
Tseng Kwong Chi Tseng Kwong Chi Tseng Kwong Chi ((chin. 曾廣智, * 1950 in Hong Kong; † 10 March 1990 in New York) was a photographer who was active in the East Village art scene in the 1980's...
recorded many events related to the creation of the Tokyo Pop Shop.
The store closure took place in an attempt to minimize the increasing expenses associated with operating a retail venture (especially in the hip urban areas). There are no plans to reopen the Pop Shop. Pop Shop merchandise, however, will continue to be available through international licensing and exhibition related projects. The Keith Haring Foundation offers Haring memorabilia through an on-line Pop Shop.
In September 2009, the shop has been reconstructed as part of London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
's Tate Modern
Tate Modern
Tate Modern is a modern art gallery located in London, England. It is Britain's national gallery of international modern art and forms part of the Tate group . It is the most-visited modern art gallery in the world, with around 4.7 million visitors per year...
's exhibition Pop Life: Art in a Material World.