Keith Haring's Subway Drawings, created between 1980 and 1985, mark a pivotal chapter in the artist's career and reflect a unique period in New York City's cultural history. These works, totaling over 5,000, were Haring's effort to bring art directly to the public, executed in subway stations across the city. Utilizing empty advertising spaces covered in matte black paper, Haring employed chalk to craft his iconic images—radiant babies, barking dogs, and dancing figures—quickly and with a keen awareness of the transient nature of his medium and his audience.

This period in Haring's work is characterized by his commitment to creating accessible art. He deliberately chose the subway as his canvas to engage with a broad, diverse audience, far beyond the confines of traditional galleries. The immediacy and ephemeral quality of the subway drawings reflect both Haring's mastery of his simplified visual language and his intent to communicate complex themes in a universally understandable manner. Despite their simplicity, these works encapsulate a range of emotions and social commentaries, from joy and vitality to critiques of power and authority.

The subway drawings became not only a hallmark of Haring's visual style but also a symbol of New York City's vibrant street culture during the early 1980s. They underscored the artist's belief in the democratization of art—art for the people, accessible to all, and not just the elite. This ethos would continue to permeate Haring's work throughout his career, even as he moved into more commercial venues and international acclaim.

Haring's subway art, while often fleeting in its physical form, left an indelible mark on the city's cultural landscape and on the development of street art as a recognized form of artistic expression. It also played a significant role in the narrative of Haring's career, showcasing the artist's innovative approach to public art and his unwavering commitment to social activism through visual language​ (Human LibreTexts)​​ (DailyArt Magazine)​.