Keith Haring’s Pop Shop Radio (1986) is a rare functional multiple that collapses sculpture, graphic design, and consumer object into a single, instantly recognisable work. Conceived in the spirit of Haring’s Pop Shop philosophy—art as something democratic, accessible, and embedded in everyday life—the radio translates his iconic visual language into a playful yet conceptually sharp object.

The compact black radio is fronted by one of Haring’s signature grinning faces, rendered in bold red and white linework against a dark ground. The image is unmistakably Haring: simplified forms, animated expression, and rhythmic lines that suggest movement and sound, perfectly suited to the object’s function. A small antenna and wrist strap reinforce its utilitarian nature, blurring the boundary between artwork and consumer electronics.

The original yellow Pop Shop box is an essential part of the work. Decorated with hand-drawn motifs, text reading “K. Haring AM–FM Radio ©85,” and the Pop Shop starburst logo, the packaging functions as an extension of the artwork rather than mere ephemera. Together, radio and box form a cohesive sculptural multiple that reflects Haring’s commitment to art beyond the gallery wall.

Produced in the mid-1980s at the height of Haring’s cultural influence, Pop Shop Radio sits at the intersection of Pop Art, street culture, and design. It exemplifies his belief that art could be joyful, portable, and woven into daily life, while today standing as a highly collectible object that captures the energy and ethos of Haring’s Pop Shop era.