In 1985, Keith Haring's art continued to reflect his deep commitment to social activism and his dynamic presence in both the street art scene and the broader art world. One of his most notable works from this year is "Free South Africa," which powerfully condemned the apartheid regime. This piece, characterized by Haring's bold lines and vivid imagery, featured a black figure entwined by a white serpent, symbolizing the oppressive nature of apartheid and Haring's support for the anti-apartheid movement (Haring) (Haring). Haring also created "Michael Stewart-USA for Africa" in 1985, a poignant commentary on police brutality and racial injustice. This work was inspired by the tragic death of Michael Stewart, a young black artist who died following a brutal arrest by New York City police for allegedly defacing a subway wall with graffiti. Haring's piece depicts a black figure being choked by white hands, emphasizing the systemic racism and violence faced by black individuals (Hyperallergic). Another significant project from 1985 was Haring's mural "Moses and the Burning Bush," which continued his exploration of religious and mythical themes through his distinctive neo-expressionist style. This work reflects Haring's ability to merge contemporary social issues with timeless narratives, using familiar biblical stories to comment on modern struggles and injustices (www.wikiart.org) . In addition to these politically charged works, Haring also opened the Pop Shop in 1985, a retail space in Manhattan's SoHo district where he sold affordable items featuring his artwork, such as t-shirts, posters, and buttons. The Pop Shop embodied Haring's belief in making art accessible to everyone and challenged the traditional boundaries of the art world by bringing his work directly to the public. This initiative demonstrated Haring's commitment to democratizing art and engaging with a wider audience (Haring) (Hyperallergic). Haring's contributions in 1985 were not limited to visual art alone. He was deeply involved in the AIDS awareness movement, creating works that addressed the epidemic and its impact on the gay community. His art from this period often featured figures marked with red X's, symbolizing those affected by HIV/AIDS, and served as a stark reminder of the crisis and the need for compassion and education (Whitney Museum of American Art). 1985 was a year of significant activism and artistic achievement for Keith Haring. His works from this period continue to resonate for their bold visual style and powerful social messages, underscoring his legacy as an artist deeply committed to social justice and public engagement (Haring) (Haring) (Whitney Museum of American Art) (www.wikiart.org) (Hyperallergic).