In honor of what would have been American artist Keith Haring’s 54th birthday today, Google is celebrating with a new Doodle. The colorful Doodle pays tribute to his brand of pop art, which was inspired by the New York street styles and dance music scene of the 1980s. Haring was known for supporting the idea that art should be available to everyone.

Haring, who died of AIDS-related illnesses in 1990 at the age of 31, first came into attention with his chalk drawings on the New York subway in the late 1970s. The cartoon quality that was characterized by vivid colors and bold lines in his later work influenced the club scene and advertising.

Andy Warhol mentored Haring, who opened a small shop in 1986 in SoHo, called Pop Shop. He sold merchandise, including T-shirts, toys and posters, bearing his iconic images. Haring didn’t live long enough to see how large of an impact his consumerist approach to art had on subsequent generations, however.

After being diagnosed with AIDS in 1988, Haring spent his time being an activist and campaigner. He used his work to raise awareness of the disease, and to promote safe sex practices. Haring, whose last works included a painting on the rear wall of an Italian church, established the Keith Haring Foundation in 1989. The foundation provides funding to AIDS organizations and children’s charities.

Written by: Karen Benardello