“Ignorance = Fear” is a poster created by artist Keith Haring in 1989 as part of the Neo-Expressionism art movement. The artwork addresses themes related to the AIDS epidemic and is intended to communicate a powerful social message urging action and awareness.
The artwork features three yellow, faceless figures on a red background with bold black outlines. The figures each adopt a different posture, conveying urgency and distress. ‘X’ marks appear on their chests, symbolizing the impact of AIDS. Above and below the figures, text reads “IGNORANCE = FEAR” and “SILENCE = DEATH,” signifying the dangers of misinformation and passivity. In the bottom right corner, the call to action “FIGHT AIDS ACT UP” is highlighted in conjunction with a pink triangle, which is historically significant in the context of LGBT rights and AIDS activism. The overall composition is vibrant and direct, utilizing Haring’s recognizable style to heighten the urgency of its message.
