Keith Haring Lucky Strike (Plate 4), 1987 is the fourth installment of the artist’s Lucky Strike portfolio of 1987. In this work the artist illustrates three of his signature icons causing a racket, trying to open a box of Lucky Strike cigarettes. Haring uses the method of screen printing to execute precise linework in beautifully saturarted tones; this work is rendered entirely in black and white except the bright red logo of the cigarette carton. The stark contrast that the red hue provides draws the eye directly to the Lucky Strikes, the top-selling brand of cigarettes in the 1930s and ‘40s. In this way, the artist utilizes the visual language of advertising to bring attention to the “luckies” and the way his figures interact with them. In Lucky Strike (Plate 4), 1987, the three signature Haring figures create a ruckus trying to get the box of cigarettes open, signifying their reliance on the tobacco inside. Haring ruminates on addiction in this work and presents it to his viewers in a manner that appeals to the masses.

Keith Haring’s Lucky Strike (Plate 4), 1987 is part of a portfolio of five screenprints in the artist’s Lucky Strike portfolio of 1987. This body of work depicts boxes of Lucky Strike cigarettes, the top-selling brand of cigarettes of the 1930s and ‘40s, alongside some of the artist’s signature illustrations. Featured in this portfolio are Lucky Strike (Plate 1), Lucky Strike (Plate 2), Lucky Strike (Plate 3), Lucky Strike (Plate 4), and Lucky Strike (Plate 5).

Created in 1987, Keith Haring Lucky Strike (Plate 4), 1987 color screenprint is hand-signed by Keith Haring (Reading, 1958 – New York, 1990) in pencil in the lower center of the image and numbered from the edition of 80 in pencil in the lower center of the image.

Keith Haring Lucky Strike series:

The Keith Haring "Lucky Strike Series" is a significant body of work created by the artist in collaboration with the Lucky Strike cigarette company. Released in 1987, the portfolio consists of 5 screenprints, each featuring Haring's iconic and instantly recognizable imagery.

The "Lucky Strike Series" was commissioned by the American arm of the Lucky Strike brand as part of a series of limited-edition portfolios. Haring was chosen to participate in this project due to his rising prominence in the art world and his ability to create visually compelling and culturally relevant works.

In this portfolio, Haring combined his signature bold lines, vibrant colors, and dynamic figures with Lucky Strike's iconic bullseye logo and brand imagery. Each screenprint features Haring's distinctive characters engaging with elements of the Lucky Strike brand, such as cigarettes, packaging, and the famous bullseye symbol.

The collaboration between Haring and Lucky Strike resulted in a visually striking and thought-provoking series that reflects the artist’s playful and socially conscious approach to his work. Haring was known for his ability to merge popular culture, social activism, and art, and the "Lucky Strike Series'' is a testament to this fusion.

The screenprints in the portfolio incorporate Haring's recurring motifs, including radiant babies, dancing figures, and abstract shapes. The juxtaposition of these elements with the Lucky Strike branding creates a visually engaging dialogue between consumer culture and artistic expression.

The "Lucky Strike Series" also reflects Haring's interest in making art accessible to a wider audience. The portfolio was produced in a limited edition and was intended to reach both art collectors and fans of Haring's work. By collaborating with a well-known brand, Haring aimed to bring his art into everyday life and challenge the boundaries between fine art and commercial culture.

The themes explored in the "Lucky Strike Series" extend beyond the realm of consumerism. Haring often used his art as a platform to address social and political issues, and this series is no exception. Through his imagery, Haring raises questions about the influence of advertising, the impact of consumer culture, and the power dynamics within society.

The "Lucky Strike Series" received positive reception from both art critics and the public, further establishing Haring as a significant figure in the contemporary art world. The portfolio showcased his ability to merge his unique artistic style with corporate branding, resulting in works that are visually engaging, thought-provoking, and socially relevant.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Keith Haring Lucky Strike (Plate 4), from the Lucky Strike Portfolio, 1987 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Klaus Littman. Keith Haring: Editions on Paper 1982-1990, The Complete Printed Works. Hatje Cantz Publishers: New York, 1993. Keith Haring Lucky Strike (Plate 4), 1987 is listed and illustrated on pg. 79 a.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany our Keith Haring Lucky Strike (Plate 4), 1987.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Keith Haring Lucky Strike (Plate 4), from the Lucky Strike Portfolio, 1987 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.