Christie’s Teams Up with MNTGE to Release Keith Haring NFT-inspired Patches
Auction house Christie’s has partnered with connected fashion brand MNTGE to release a physical patch inspired by one of the digital drawings of legendary pop artist Keith Haring. Currently, Christie’s is hosting an auction called “Keith Haring: Pixel Pioneer,” featuring five digital paintings created on a Commodore Amiga computer in 1987 and turned into Ethereum NFTs by the Keith Haring Foundation. MNTGE has transformed one of the drawings into a vintage-style patch.
Physical Patches with Tech Twist
The patches are equipped with near-field communication (NFC) technology and have an embedded chip tied to a unique Ethereum NFT, serving as a blockchain-based proof of ownership. While the estimated price range for the auctioned works is between $220,000 and $500,000 per piece, the patches are much more affordable at $39.99 each.
Availability and Previous Drop
The patches can be purchased for a limited time through the MNTGE website. This release follows MNTGE’s recent drop called Patchwork, which featured NFT patches created by contemporary artists and redeemable for physical versions with embedded NFC chips.
A Collaborative Project
The collaboration between Christie’s, the Haring Foundation, and MNTGE originated from a dinner hosted by MNTGE for the Christie’s Art + Tech Summit in July. The co-founder of MNTGE, Nick Adler, expressed excitement about the project and highlighted the synergy between all three teams.
Keith Haring’s Legacy
Keith Haring’s art has always aimed to reach a wide audience. He believed that “art is for everybody” and created designs on the New York subway to make art accessible to a broader demographic. Christie’s Vice President Nicole Sales Giles believes that Haring would have been a strong advocate for bridging the traditional art world with Web3. The addition of the patches further expands the reach of Haring’s art and aligns with his inclusive philosophy.
Hot Take: Keith Haring NFT-inspired Patches Offer Accessible Art Collectibles
The collaboration between Christie’s, MNTGE, and the Keith Haring Foundation introduces a unique opportunity for art collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of Haring’s iconic artwork in the form of NFT-inspired patches. With an affordable price point, these physical collectibles allow individuals to engage with Haring’s legacy while embracing blockchain technology. The partnership reflects Haring’s belief that art should be accessible to everyone, and it bridges the gap between traditional art and the digital world. By merging physical objects with digital ownership certificates, this collaboration showcases the potential of NFTs in democratizing art collection and appreciation.