I went to RISD and lived in Providence for 8 years. The Obey Giant campaign started there. I was recently invited to do a mural and print based on my Providence experience. The mural and print contain all Providence landmarks that were part of my life while I lived there. Some remain glorious while others have fallen into disrepair but found second lives in other ways. Providence was a center for the textile industry and the red striped tower is the former location of a huge textile factory called Atlantic Mills. The mill closed, but now the warehouse rents spaces to artists and bands. That is where my printing studio and skateboard ramp used to be. The train bridge is now abandoned but for years the bridge itself and the tunnel leading to it were graffiti spots and hangouts for artists, musicians and other miscreants. I actually put that icon face poster on the bridge years ago. You can see the train bridge from the 195 on the way to Seekonk. The Biltmore and the Industrial Trust buildind that looks like something from Gotham are architectural landmarks I like.  The image is both celebrating Providence industry and Providence’s industriousness in the wake of declining industry. Duality, and finding a door to open resulting from another closing, are themes I address in my art that relate to Providence.
-Shepard

Read About the Mural Progress Here

The prints are available on the AS220 website (links below) and Check out Action Speaks and the FOO FEST, starting Friday Aug 13th.  More information after the jump!

CLICK HERE FOR THE RED EDITION

CLICK HERE FOR THE GOLD EDITION

Friday August 13th, 2010
Action Speaks! A Special Forum on “Free Culture” & Intellectual Property
Preceded by a special screening of the Documentary Short André the Giant Has a Posse

5-5:15 pm – “André the Giant Has a Posse” (1995) Film Screening
5:15 pm – Action Speaks Special – Free Culture Live Forum

AS220 Performance Space
115 Empire St
Providence, RI 02903

Saturday, Aug 14th, 2010
FOO FEST 2010
AS220s 25th Anniversary
Over 20 Art Installations and Creative Activities

1pm – 1am
115 Empire St Block Party

For more information please visit
http://www.as220.org/foofest_2010/