Andy Mouse 1986

This is Keith Haring's 'Andy Mouse', a vibrant Pop Art piece made in the 1980s. Haring's art was deeply embedded in the cultural and political milieu of New York City during the AIDS crisis. 'Andy Mouse' is a hybrid of Andy Warhol, whom Haring admired, and Mickey Mouse, embodying themes of identity, celebrity, and commercialism. The pink hair, sunglasses, and mouse ears create a playful yet pointed commentary on Warhol's persona and the commodification of art. The supporting figures reference the ecstatic yet precarious nature of fame. Haring's art, including ‘Andy Mouse’, was born from the streets, from a desire to make art accessible. As a gay man living through the AIDS epidemic, Haring infused his work with a sense of urgency and a call for social change. 'Andy Mouse' encapsulates the blend of joy and sorrow, visibility and vulnerability that marked the lives of many during this time. It's a celebration and critique of pop culture.