Keith Haring's The Ten Commandments (1985) is a monumental series of paintings that marks a significant point in Haring's career, blending his iconic visual language with profound thematic content. Created for his first solo museum exhibition at the Contemporary Art Museum in Bordeaux, France, this series consists of ten large-scale works, each approximately 25 feet high by 17.5 feet wide. Haring tailored these pieces to fit the museum's large arched spaces, painting directly on site. This ambitious project was not only a testament to Haring's skill as a painter but also reflected his deep engagement with socio-political themes and his ongoing exploration of religious symbolism and iconography​ (Haring)​.

The significance of The Ten Commandments extends beyond its immediate visual impact, delving into Haring's relationship with religion and his critique of its institutions. While harboring a general distrust of organized religion, Haring was deeply fascinated by Christian symbolism, which influenced much of his work. His approach to depicting the Ten Commandments through the lens of sin and its consequences is reminiscent of ancient medieval altarpieces. Haring utilized a symbolic color scheme—yellow to mimic the gold leaf of Russian icons for the background, red for sin, blue for the sinners, and additional colors for details. This choice of theme and execution invites viewers to contemplate the transformation and relevance of religious teachings in contemporary society. Far from a simplistic representation, the series uses erotic elements strategically, aiming to provoke reflection on the distortion of religious messages over time​ (Finestre sull'Arte)​.

This series stands as a powerful example of Haring's ability to navigate complex themes through his distinctive artistic language. It showcases his commitment to addressing critical issues—such as the critique of organized religion and the exploration of morality in modern society—while maintaining his signature style that combines vibrant colors, bold lines, and dynamic figures. The Ten Commandments not only highlights Haring's artistic mastery but also underscores his role as a socially conscious artist, using his platform to spark dialogue and challenge prevailing norms​ (Finestre sull'Arte)​.