Lucky Strike 4 is a vibrant and eye-catching screen print created by Keith Haring in 1987. This artwork was made for the Lucky Strike cigarette company, a bold move for Haring, who was known for his activism against smoking and the tobacco industry.
The print measures 23 inches by 23 inches and features Haring’s distinctive style of bold lines and smooth color, with the iconic Lucky Strike bullseye logo prominently displayed in the center of the composition. Surrounding the logo are Haring’s usual figures, black and white and depicted in various poses, such as dancing, jumping, and gesturing. They are connected by lines that form an intricate network of shapes and patterns, creating a dynamic and energetic composition.

This print is part of a series of nine compositions that Haring created for Lucky Strike, each varying in color and composition and all shooting to advertise the cigarettes with the popular modern graffiti art flair that Haring made his calling card. Not accepted in the final array of posters was Lucky Strike 10, which featured a smoking skeleton that teased at the Surgeon General’s warnings about the health concerns about tobacco.

Haring was a prominent figure in the New York City art scene in the 1980s, known for his graffiti-inspired style and his social and political activism. He used his art as a platform to address issues such as AIDS, drug addiction, and the political climate of the time. Haring’s decision to work with Lucky Strike was seen by some as a departure from his activist stance, while others saw it as a way to subvert the corporate advertising machine from within.

See also: Lucky Strike 1, Lucky Strike 2, Lucky Strike 3, and Lucky Strike 5.