Keith Haring’s market has shown impressive momentum in recent years. From over $2.5m USD in 2020, total sales have doubled to $5m in today’s market and continue to grow. The strength and resilience in Haring’s market is reelected in individual artwork values, with average prices reaching a record $42,000, a 15% year-on-year increase. Haring’s market remains robust, fueled by global exhibitions and retrospectives celebrating his legacy. Haring’s works have appeared at auction where they have shown impressive numbers as collectors across the world seek to buy rare, original Haring artworks. In this article we explore the top five most expensive Keith Haring paintings sold at auction.
What are the most expensive prices paid for Keith Haring artworks at auction?
$6,537,500 USD Untitled (1982 Sotheby’s 2017
In May 2017, Untitled (1982) set a new auction benchmark for Haring, fetching over $6 million at Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening Auction. The piece encapsulates the core elements of Haring’s practice—graffiti-inspired imagery, cartoon-like figures, barking dogs, and powerful sociopolitical commentary. A response to the clash between youth culture and government authority, this work embodies the eternal battle between good and evil, life and death—key themes that defined Haring’s artistic voice.
$5.8 USD Untitled (1982) Christie’s, 2022
Sold at Christie’s in 2022, this vibrant canvas showcases one of Haring’s signature dancing figures in neon green set against a bold orange background. With provenance rooted in New York’s art scene, the piece reflects Haring’s close ties to the city and its thriving hip-hop culture. It achieved $5.8 million, far exceeding its $3.8 million low estimate.
$5.6M USD for Silence = Death (1988) Christie’s, 2019
A landmark work from the year Haring was diagnosed with AIDS, Silence = Death incorporates the pink triangle—reclaimed as a symbol of gay pride—to confront the AIDS crisis head-on. In Haring’s own words, “I don’t know if I have five months or five years... This is why my projects are so important now.” The work realized $5.6 million at Christie’s in May 2019, securing its place as one of his most powerful pieces.
£5.4M USD for Untitled (1984) Christie’s, 2021
This chaotic, symbolic scene captures the tension between humanity, technology, and spirituality. A computer is enshrined atop a pyramid, surrounded by UFOs, robots, and worshippers. Not only does it showcase Haring’s iconic illustrative style, but it also made history as one of the first artworks at a major auction to accept cryptocurrency. Sold at Christie’s in June 2021 for $5.4 million, the piece originally debuted at Paul Maenz’s Cologne gallery.
$5.3M USD for The Last Rainforest (1989) Sotheby’s, 2016
Recognized as Haring’s final masterpiece, The Last Rainforest was painted just months before his passing. It sold for $5.2 million at Sotheby’s in June 2016—more than twice its low estimate. Previously owned by photographer David LaChapelle, the work carries a poignant urgency. As LaChapelle noted, it feels like Haring knew “his time was running out, and he really wanted to say something.”
$5.4M for Untitled (Acrobats) (1982) Sotheby’s, 2021
This densely packed canvas, alive with energy and movement, showcases Haring’s mastery of kinetic form. Its hieroglyphic motifs and contorted figures mesmerize, reflecting the visual intensity of 1980s New York. Sold for $5.4 million at Sotheby’s in December 2021, it remains a standout example of Haring’s distinct visual language.
$5.7M for Untitled (1986) Sotheby’s, 2021
Described by Haring as a kind of “choreography,” this piece captures the rhythm and motion central to his work. Its tessellated figures pulse with life, forming a harmonious yet dynamic whole. This Untitled work sold for £4.1 million at Sotheby’s in May 2021.
$4.5M for Self Portrait For Tony (1985) Sotheby’s, 2016,
A rare self-portrait, this intimate piece was gifted to Tony Shafrazi, the dealer who helped propel Haring’s career. Drawing on Pop influences, it nods to Roy Lichtenstein with Ben Day dots and echoes Warhol in its cropped framing. Making its auction debut at Sotheby’s in 2016, it fetched $4.6 million—nearly double its low estimate.
$4.5M for Sister Cities – For Tokyo (1985) Sotheby’s, 2018
Created to celebrate the bond between New York and Tokyo, this work features Haring’s joyful dancing figures beneath a shared heart. Originally gifted to Tokyo City Hall, it resurfaced at Sotheby’s in 2018 after passing through three private collections, selling for $4.5 million.
$4.2M for Untitled (1981) Phillips’,2020
One of the highlights of Phillips’ London sale in 2020, this early piece remained in a private collection since 1982. It captures Haring’s dreamlike energy with two figures mid-movement, reflecting his belief that painting could be a transcendent, almost meditative experience. It sold for $4.2 million, securing its spot among his highest auction results.
Explore more Keith Haring content with our guide to collecting Keith Haring and five most popular Keith Haring works. Get in touch with our gallery to buy Keith Haring prints or, if you are looking to sell, contact info@guyhepner.com to sell Keith Haring prints.
