Untitled, from Free South Africa 1985

This print was made by Keith Haring, it's one of a series from 'Free South Africa'. Look at how economical Haring is with mark making here, how he uses simple black lines, the bare minimum, to get his message across. The texture in the piece is flat and graphic, typical of his style, and the black and red against the white background create a stark contrast that’s immediately impactful. Notice that the thick, bold lines define the figures, making them look almost like symbols. The red "X" on the fallen figure is particularly jarring, a quick, brutal mark signifying violence or death. That single line that loops around the neck of the large figure and extends to ensnare the smaller one is incredibly powerful. It speaks volumes about oppression and the interconnectedness of power and subjugation. You can see the influence of artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat in Haring's work. Like Basquiat, Haring was using art as a form of social commentary, engaging in a conversation about art and activism. And like all good art, this piece embraces ambiguity, inviting us to think critically about the world around us.