Keith Haring’s private trove surfaces at Sotheby’s, spotlighting a crib and a lifelong friendship
A public exhibition at Sotheby’s New York presents Keith Haring’s works from his longtime friend Kermit Oswald, including a taxi-yellow crib and a rare 1985 self-portrait, as part of Haring’s House: Works From the Collection of Kermit Oswald ahead of two May sales. The roughly 20 works on offer reveal a personal side of the artist, with pieces linked to Burroughs’ collaboration and Haring’s HIV diagnosis; the crib is estimated at $250,000–$350,000 and the self-portrait at $3–$5 million, among other pieces. Oswald describes their friendship as non-competitive and hopes the works will find a home where they can be shared, potentially in a museum.