Charing Cross station in London has undergone a vibrant transformation, now known as “Haring Cross,” featuring two original pieces by the late American artist Keith Haring. The underground station has been adorned with Haring’s iconic dancing figures, displayed on escalator walls and advertising spaces.
Keith Haring, a renowned social activist who rose to fame in the 1980s for his graffiti art in New York subway stations, is celebrated through this colorful pop-up exhibition. The artwork at Haring Cross mimics the vivid red and yellow hues seen in many of Haring’s famous works, characterized by bold strokes and cartoonish figures that blend street art with pop art techniques.
The rebranding of Charing Cross to Haring Cross coincided with the launch of the limited edition Absolut Haring Artist-Edition bottle. This collaboration stems from Haring’s longstanding connection with the vodka brand, dating back to Andy Warhol’s encouragement for him to reinterpret the Absolut bottle in his unique style.
Deb Dasgupta expressed, “Keith Haring’s work embodies energy, color, and hope, reflecting our belief that art should be inclusive and joyful.” The exhibition aims to engage a new generation with Haring’s artistic spirit, offering free posters of his reinterpretation of the Absolut bottle to station visitors.
Transport for London’s customer director, Emma Strain, highlighted the underground’s historical ties to the art world and emphasized the significance of hosting Keith Haring’s art at Charing Cross Tube station. She stated that such artistic activations provide customers with a fresh way to engage with art in London.