Client: Lincoln Rd. Business Improvement District - Miami South Beach, CityKids

Overview

Event: Miami Art Week during Art Basel Miami
Location: 640 Lincoln South Beach, Miami
Commission: Lincoln Rd. Business Improvement District, CityKids NYC
Medium: Adhesive 3M Matte Vinyl + Paint Pen
Dimensions: 36′ x 17′

Goals

During Miami Art Week, "Because Liberty is Broken" took center stage at the 640 Lincoln Road space, inviting the public to engage in a dialogue around the concept of liberty. In homage to Keith Haring's "City Kids Speak on Liberty" mural, HVY and CityKids orchestrated the creation of an interactive mural where participants could inscribe their thoughts directly onto the artwork. Hundreds of individuals eagerly contributed, inscribing their names and ideas onto the mural, symbolizing a collective effort to restore liberty for all.

The mural served as more than just a static artwork; it became a participative reflection of the community's aspirations for freedom and justice. Through collaboration, the mural transformed into a dynamic space where diverse voices converged to express their hopes and visions for a better future. By engaging with the artwork, participants not only contributed to its completion but also became part of a larger movement to ignite social, cultural, and political collaboration, ensuring that the flame of liberty is passed safely to future generations.

Process

In a vibrant fusion of contemporary street art and timeless advocacy, HVY, CityKids, and the Haring Foundation joined forces to craft an interactive mural celebrating the essence of liberty during Art Basel - Miami. Drawing inspiration from Keith Haring's iconic "Speck on Liberty" mural, created in collaboration with CityKids back in 1985, the project bridged generations with a shared commitment to artistic expression and social consciousness.

HVY's bold artistic vision served as the canvas upon which the public was invited to inscribe their reflections on liberty, echoing Haring's original ethos of democratizing art and activism. This collaborative endeavor not only paid homage to Haring's pioneering work but also empowered individuals to contribute their voices to a collective narrative of freedom and equality.

Through a dynamic exchange of ideas and creativity, the mural became a living testament to the enduring power of art to inspire dialogue and catalyze change. As visitors engaged with the mural, they became active participants in a legacy of artistic collaboration that transcends boundaries and empowers communities to envision a more inclusive and just world.

Additional Information

HVY's artistic journey is a fusion of nostalgia and innovation, drawing inspiration from 80's skateboard graphics and the boundary-pushing world of 3D engines. Through digital mediums, HVY seamlessly blends analog hand-drawn designs with hyperreal renders, creating a visual language that resonates with both past and present. "Because Liberty is Broken," HVY's latest endeavor, pays tribute to Keith Haring's legacy while forging its own path. Beyond being a clever nod to Haring's whimsical commentary on liberty, HVY's work serves as a testament to the power of collaborative creation. Just as Haring and CityKids once curated children's thoughts on liberty for their mural, HVY's project invites public engagement, fostering discourse on freedom and justice. Moreover, HVY's dedication to creating discourse in public spaces challenges the notion of art as mere decoration or commercial endeavor. Instead, it advocates for art-driven dialogue, reclaiming public spaces as platforms for meaningful exchange rather than one-sided monologues of commerce. In this way, HVY's work not only celebrates artistic expression but also champions the potential of public art to inspire collective reflection and social change.