Charing Cross station in London has been given a vibrant makeover and renamed as “Haring Cross” for a temporary art exhibition. The underground station is showcasing two original pieces by the late American street artist Keith Haring. Haring, known for his social activism, rose to fame in the 1980s with his artwork displayed across the walls of the New York subway system.
The station’s walls are adorned with Haring-inspired artwork, featuring his iconic dancing figures in bold red and yellow colors reminiscent of his renowned style. The display combines street art and pop art elements, showcasing vibrant hues and cartoonish figures that mirror Haring’s unique artistic expression.
The unveiling of Haring Cross coincided with the release of the limited-time Absolut Haring Artist-Edition bottle. The collaboration between the artist and the vodka brand dates back to the influence of Andy Warhol, who encouraged Haring to reimagine the iconic Absolut bottle in his distinctive artistic language.
Deb Dasgupta expressed the belief that art should be accessible to all, embodying energy, color, and hope, as reflected in Haring’s work. The Absolut Haring project aims to bring this spirit to a new generation in a public setting, connecting modern audiences to the artist’s subway-inspired roots.
In line with Haring’s philosophy that “art is for everybody,” visitors to the station can acquire free posters featuring his reinterpretation of the Absolut bottle from 1986. Emma Strain, customer director at Transport for London (TfL), highlighted the longstanding relationship between the London Underground and the art world, welcoming the opportunity to showcase Keith Haring’s art at Charing Cross Tube station.
The collaboration with Absolut presents a unique way for customers to engage with art in London, offering a fresh perspective and experience within the underground setting.