Untitled (Cup Man), 1989

"Untitled (Cup Man)" is a silkscreen created by Keith Haring in 1989. From the edition of 170, the artwork is signed and dated 'K.Haring '89' lower right vertical. The image size is 28.75 x 20.5" and the artwork is framed in a contemporary white frame. The artwork ships framed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

Created in the final year of Keith Haring’s life, Untitled (Cup Man) (1989) is a vibrant, socially engaged print that brings together his signature graphic vocabulary with a philanthropic mission. Produced as part of the Kinderstern Portfolio—a collaborative project supporting children in need—this silkscreen is a standout example of Haring’s late work: joyous, purposeful, and powerfully direct.

The print features a central, stylized human figure, depicted in deep yellow and outlined with Haring’s iconic bold black line. The figure is segmented into stacked, cup-like forms, and flashes of deep red peek through the interior curves of these “cups.” The ground beneath the figure is rendered in a charged electric purple, punctuated by black dots, while the aqua background provides a calming contrast that allows the central form to vibrate visually.

Radiating black lines surround the figure, a hallmark of Haring’s visual language that suggests energy, movement, and life force. These marks animate the composition and transform the figure into a symbol of dance, vitality, and joyful resistance. While visually celebratory, the image also conveys a deep sense of universality—the figure is faceless and genderless, embracing inclusivity and shared humanity.

The form of the figure draws inspiration from Russian matryoshka dolls—nesting figures traditionally associated with motherhood and familial care. Yet Haring strips away the folkloric detail and cultural specificity, replacing the femininized icon with a universal avatar of nurture and strength. This interpretation is especially fitting for the Kinderstern project, where every work contributed to the wellbeing of children around the world.

The Kinderstern (Star for Children) Portfolio, conceived by artist Imi Knoebel, brought together 20 renowned contemporary artists—including Günther Uecker, Jörg Immendorff, and Haring—to raise funds for children’s welfare causes. 100% of the proceeds from sales of the edition went directly to organizations serving youth in need. Haring’s contribution, Untitled (Cup Man), was one of the most visually commanding works in the set, but also among the most thematically aligned with the portfolio’s mission. The work’s energy, brightness, and approachable symbolism were clearly designed to speak to and for young people, affirming Haring’s deeply held belief that art should be accessible, joyful, and socially resonant.

With its powerful interplay of color, symbolism, and motion, Untitled (Cup Man) is a beacon of joy and generosity—an image as radiant in purpose as it is in composition. It is a print that speaks not only to the eye, but to the heart, and serves as a reminder of Haring’s enduring belief that art should exist for everyone, and in service of the collective good.