POW(ER) Print
Here is a brief explanation of the POW(ER) print. I was asked by my longtime friends at PAPER magazine to guest edit their art issue. I gladly accepted, and the issue should be out later in Nov. In the issue my friend and PAPER editor Carlo McCormick, who wrote an essay for my book “Supply And Demand”, wrote a fantastic essay about the evolution of visual culture from Pop Art to street art, and the impact of the internet and media saturation. To illustrate Carlo’s essay I created the POW(ER) image. The image is an homage to influential Pop Artist Roy Lichtenstein, who appropriated and re-painted comic frames often transforming them in meaning and context. I have often described my art as a fusion of Pop Art, street art, and political art. I utilize the platform created by Pop Art, but I try to take my work even more directly to the people. Like Pop artists before me, I utilize a vocabulary of familiar cultural visual references. In fact, after I conceived of the POW(ER) image and did some further research on Lichtenstein, I discovered an image he had made of a woman holding a can of spray paint or hairspray. The image looked familiar to me, because a few years ago I re-illustrated the same piece of clip art that Lichtenstein referenced for his spray paint/hair spray painting. The connection was was too serendipitous to ignore and I proceeded to create the POW(ER) image. For me, street art has always been about populism and emPOWERment. The recent embrace of street art in the art world as a legitimate genre demonstrates the power of accessible, relatable imagery, and in many ways builds upon the triumphs of Pop Art. Check out the PAPER issue when it comes out to read Carlo’s excellent essay.
-Shepard
18 x 24″ Screen Print Signed and Numbered Edition of 450. $45. Limit 1 per person/household.
Release Date: 11/04/2010 at a random time SOLD OUT
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SABER x OBEY x Pride of America
Saber and I have been friends for over 10 years and previously collaborated on the Brooklyn Projects wall on Sunset in Echo Park. We also both recently coincidentally made art inspired by the American flag. When Barracuda on Melrose asked me to revamp my mural there, I thought of Saber as a collaborator right away. The wall fit the proportions of a diptych perfectly and I think the two flag interpretations compliment each other nicely. I’m psyched to share another wall with Saber. Thanks to Todd Mazer for being on site to photograph the mural’s creation.
-Shepard
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No on California Prop 23
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MoveOn.org x RepubliCorp
Please check out this great video by a MoveOn.org and Olivia Wilde, both of whom I have collaborated with on multiple occasions. Now that the Citizen’s United Supreme Court decision allowing anonymous campaign contributions by corporations has taken effect, the political playing field has been tilted even more in favor of corporate interests. The Democrats are certainly not guilt free when it comes to pandering to corporate interests, but when you look at which party usually brazenly serves corporate interests, it is no surprise that record money is being spent on Republican campaigns for the 2010 mid-term elections. In my opinion, campaign finance reform should be a top priority, check out fixcongressfirst.org… but don’t forget to vote in the mid-term elections Nov. 2. There is a lot at stake. Thanks for caring.
-Shepard
The video can be seen here:
http://cnnbc.moveon.org/?rc=press
Jim Houser EP Released on ITunes
Our good friend and recent Subliminal Projects artist Jim Houser has just released his incredible self produced EP on ITunes. All songs were written and recorded by Houser between August of 2009 and January of 2010. Check it!
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1000+ Words
“A picture is worth 1,000 words.” I sat for a while considering if I should describe this piece and the multi-layered meanings depicted in the painting?! The stencil and symbolism in the painting take on some heavy current topics of social, political, and racial issues just to name a few. I decided it’s best for you the viewer to interpret and look at this piece and make your decision on what you feel from it. Art has the amazing ability to be interpreted on a range of 1,000+ different meanings depending on who you ask. Some of you might find this piece offensive, constructive, ironic, or just plain stupid. I want to highly encourage all of you watching this to speak up and comment about your interpretation of this stencil and issues portrayed.
-ABOVE
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“HOPE FM” Print by Casey Ryder (SNO)
Simpsons Banksy Intro
In case you have not seen or heard, Banksy directed the most recent Simpson’s intro sequence. I love that the Simpson’s have enough of a self-deprecating sense of humor to make fun of themselves. Banksy displays his usual wit, humor, and social commentary. It’s nice to see a return of potent irreverence on the Simpson’s and for Banksy to find exposure through a mainstream program.
-Shepard
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Cornel West Print
Glen E. Friedman and I collaborated on an image of scholar and political philosopher Cornel West. I’m a big fan of Dr. West as a thinker and humanitarian, but my admiration is even greater after spending time with him when he came to sign the prints. We hung out and talked politics, media, education etc… I don’t think I’ve ever met a nicer person. The experience was very inspiring. Check out some of Cornel West’s writings. Glen has photos and commentary on his website. The print drops Thurs. It is signed by me, Glen, and Dr. West. A portion of the proceeds will go to The City Kids charity.
-Shepard
18 x 24″ Screen Print. Edition of 450. Signed by Shepard Fairey, Glen E. Friedman and Dr. Cornel West. Limit 1 per person/household. $80. SOLD OUT
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Shepard x Art Asylum Boston Gallery x Art 4 Hearts
My name has recently been used in conjunction with the Art 4 Hearts Auction, along with other artists. Neither Kinsey nor myself donated any art or money to the Art of Asylum Boston Gallery for any auctions, including the Art 4 Hearts auction. The auction was advertised as a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. The AHA has no record of the donation. Additionally, Neither Kinsey nor myself have given permission to the gallery to display our art or use our names.
I have and will continue to donate art to charities. I am saddened to see that someone has exploited my track record of prior donations. Please rest assured that any charity event that is posted on our website has been reasonably vetted. The Arts 4 Hearts Auction should be viewed as the exception not the rule.
– Shepard
For more information, please CLICK HERE