Keith Haring

While the 1980s filled New York with a wave of hip-hop, graffiti and a buzzing nightlife scene, deep in the tunnels of the subways, the drawings of Keith Haring brought life and connection to thousands of commuters. He was a social activist and renowned artist whose colourful and playful style is instantly recognisable to many.

Haring believed art could be a powerful tool for change and used his platform to raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic and drug addiction. His commitment to social justice led him to create public murals, participate in benefit projects, and collaborate with fellow artists and activists.

Some of Haring’s most democratic works were his subway drawings which were made on blank advertisement spaces in the stations. Although only lasting for a fleeting moment, Haring came to the realisation that his drawings had the potential to reach a much larger public. Much like Moco, Haring’s work emphasises the idea that art should be made accessible to people of all backgrounds.