
Obey Giant Campaign Flexes Street Art MuscleĪs a student at RISD in 1989, Shepard Fairey developed a grassroots sticker campaign designed to gain the artist notoriety and demonstrate to the power and reach of street art. By the mid-eighties, Fairey was applying his own designs to skateboards and t-shirts.ĭuring this same time, Fairey also took note of the works of famous Pop and Contemporary Artists – such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Robert Rauschenberg – appreciating the artists’ abilities to provide social commentary, hold a mirror to American culture and push the boundaries of art.Īfter graduating from California’s Idyllwild Arts Academy in 1988, Shepard enrolled at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he would graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1992. Street art (graffiti), skateboard graphics and punk rock album covers all would have a strong influence on the emerging style of Shepard Fairey. For Shepard Fairey, there was a keen awareness of the power of the art that accompanied and fueled the scene. Shepard describes his powerful Charleston influences to be those developed as a part of the “skateboard” scene – a culture that included a passion for punk rock bands and a bend toward anti-establishment political views. Born in 1970, the artist grew up in a relatively conservative home, with his father a practicing doctor and his mother, a realtor. The roots of Shepard Fairey’s artistic inclinations took shape during the 1980s, as a teenager on the streets of Charleston, SC.

National Portrait Gallery acquired HOPE, where it resides as part of the gallery’s permanent collection. Following the election, the Smithsonian Institution’s U.S. The argument that most lawmakers make about graffiti is that it’s illegal because it’s an eyesore, but you could easily argue that a lot of advertising is an eyesore.”ĭue in large part to the enormous success of Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, Shepard Fairey’s HOPE poster became an American classic, earning its place in history as an iconic piece of presidential campaign art. Other versions of the unique portrait were created with the words “PROGRESS,” “CHANGE” and “VOTE” used in place of “HOPE.”ĭue in large part to the enormous success of Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, Shepard Fairey’s HOPE poster became an American classic, earning its place in history as an iconic piece of presidential campaign art. At the time, “hope” was considered to be a cornerstone of the Obama campaign and Fairey’s poster quickly became the predominant visual element used by Obama supporters – as campaign posters, bumper stickers, t-shirts and other forms of paraphernalia. Photos are of the actual item in our possession.For the majority of people, Pop Artist Shepard Fairey appeared to become famous “overnight,” as the highly stylized Barack Obama HOPE poster he created during the 2008 presidential election season went viral and became omnipresent as the campaign gained momentum. Learn more & see our authentication process. We authenticate every item with a rigorous process overseen by experts. Return Authorization requests must be made within 14 days of shipment and the item must be returned within 21 days of original shipment. This item can be returned for credit card refund. His works have been exhibited at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museum Of Modern Art in New York and the Smithsonian. Throughout Fairey’s career, he has continued to critique politics and social constructs while also blurring the lines between street art, high art and commercial success. The National Portrait Gallery later acquired the 'Hope' poster as a part of its permanent collection. During Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, Fairey’s 'Hope', 'Vote' and 'Progress' posters became iconic symbols of Obama’s message. His works are often inspired by a blend of traditional graffiti techniques, Pop Art and historical propaganda. He gained international recognition after founding his brand OBEY Clothing, which is known for its subversive messages and bold graphic style. 1970) is an American street artist and activist. When these are available, they will be mentioned in the item description.

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