Free South Africa - Keith Haring

This original poster by Keith Haring, titled "Free South Africa," was created in 1985 as a bold visual protest against apartheid—the system of institutionalized racial segregation and oppression in South Africa. Using his iconographic signature, Haring illustrates a powerful, almost primal struggle: a large black figure is shackled by a smaller white figure, rendered in stark graphic contrast. The tension is immediate, the symbolism clear—this is not just art, but a demand for justice.
Keith Haring (1958–1990) was a prolific and politically engaged artist who emerged from New York City’s vibrant street art scene in the early 1980s. He was more than a street artist—he was a cultural force whose work helped redefine the boundaries of contemporary art and activism. Deeply committed to using his art as a tool for activism, Haring created Free South Africa following a series of anti-apartheid demonstrations and growing international outrage over the brutal policies of the South African government. The poster was not a commercial release, but part of a grassroots campaign: it was wheat-pasted across city walls and handed out to activists, meant to spark conversation and catalyze change.
This work exemplifies Haring’s belief that art should be accessible, direct, and socially relevant. The flattened forms, thick lines, and vivid red, black, and white palette amplify the urgency of the message. It stands alongside other activist-driven creations of the decade that sought to challenge systems of power and give voice to the oppressed.
This is an Original Vintage Poster; it is not a reproduction. It is conservation mounted, linen backed, and in excellent condition. There are some very unobtrusive blemishes near the edges that will be minimized once framed. We guarantee the authenticity of all our posters.