Charing Cross station in London has undergone a unique transformation, being temporarily rebranded as “Haring Cross” to showcase the iconic pop art of late American artist Keith Haring. Known for his social activism, Haring gained recognition in the 1980s through his extensive graffiti art in the New York subway system. The London underground station has been adorned with two original Haring pieces, featuring his signature dancing figures, displayed on escalator walls and advertising spaces throughout the station.
The station’s makeover includes a vibrant color scheme of red and yellow, reminiscent of Haring’s vivid artistic style. Bold strokes, lively colors, whimsical characters, and a blend of street art and pop art elements are prominent in the showcased artworks.
The unveiling of Haring Cross coincides with the release of the limited edition Absolut Haring Artist-Edition bottle, a collaboration that traces back to Haring’s reinterpretation of the vodka brand’s bottle at the encouragement of Andy Warhol nearly forty years ago. Speaking on the celebration of art accessibility, Deb Dasgupta expressed the belief that art should be inclusive, energetic, and hopeful, reflecting Haring’s spirit.
In line with Haring’s philosophy that art should be accessible to all, visitors to the station can obtain complimentary posters featuring his 1986 rendition of the Absolut bottle. Emma Strain, customer director at Transport for London (TfL), highlighted the longstanding connection between the London Underground and the art world, emphasizing the importance of offering innovative art experiences to commuters.
The collaboration between Absolut and TfL at Charing Cross Tube station provides a novel platform for the public to engage with art, aligning with Haring’s legacy of making art a universal and joyful experience.