I'm sure that while Keith Haring was covertly 'tagging' a subway station with his characteristic thick, black-outlined figures, he never ever thought those same forms would be mass produced and sold in a gift shop one day, but Keith Haring - Pattern Wall Tiles are officially for sale.
Now, no comments here about the commodification of art. I actually think this artist-inspired product is one of the least obnoxious of the bunch (I wince every time I see a Monet umbrella in the rain) because it actually makes sense as an extension of what Haring was doing in the first place. It's not like this image was just screened on a bunch of tote bags and plopped in a shop—not that there's necessarily anything wrong with that, it's just not the most original idea. Which is also not to say I think wall tiles should be made available for every popular artist now so people can enjoy their affordable "Picasso" at home.
The Haring wall tiles measure 2' x 4' and come two to a pack for $50. They're made of self-adhesive fabric (and they're non-toxic, no PVC or phthalates) so you can position them yourself in any pattern you like. They're shown here against a living room wall, but since they adhere to any smooth surface why not get a little more creative with your positioning. I think they'd look great along a curved wall, or cut them up into smaller pieces for wall in-sets.
If you want to show your Keith Haring love but this just isn't for you, the Brooklyn Museum gift shop has some nifty options beyond the exhibition catalog, like the Wood Baby Rocker and Wood Baby Pull Toy. Or just go see the retrospective; It runs through July 8, 2012.
