Obey Giant Headlines

John & Yoko Canvas Print

John and Yoko have elicited a wide spectrum of emotions, but to me, this image is undeniably uplifting.  Yoko Ono has been scapegoated by some as the woman who broke up the Beatles. I disagree, and regardless of my love of the Beatles, I think Lennon did some of his most powerful and brave work as a solo artist with avant-garde artist Yoko Ono as his partner and collaborator. Yoko helped cultivate amazing things with John. The “Bed In” that the two held to discuss their peace advocacy and their WAR IS OVER (if you want it) campaign were courageous and ambitious. John and Yoko were persecuted for their politics, and the U.S. government under Nixon made several attempts to deport Lennon for his outspoken opposition to the Vietnam war. Lennon’s songs from his time with Yoko Ono like Power To The People, Happy X Mas, War is Over, Give Peace A Chance, and Imagine demonstrate a profound reflection on the struggles of humanity.

Yoko Ono continues to be a peace and gay rights activist, artist, author, and philanthropist. She generously gave permission for me to make the painting and poster based on photo by Iain Macmillan . Proceeds from this print go to Yoko Ono’s Spirit Foundations.

-Shepard

18 x 24″ Screen print on paper.  $70.   Edition of 450.   For sale on 8/26/10 at a random time.  Limit 1 per person/household.

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Dance Right x 4 Year Anniversary x DJ Diabetic

Dance Right has been going weekly nonstop for four years now and to celebrate, Shepard (aka DJ Diabetic), the former resident of the party, is returning to do a special DJ set. Come out, high-five, and dance the rest of the summer away to Shepard’s special selections of rap, hip hop, rock, and more.

DANCE RIGHT
4 Year Anniversary, Thursday, 8/26
Downtown LA @ La Cita
RSVP at danceright.net or danceright.net/rsvp.html

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The Radiant Child Opening

My studio, Studio Number One designed the credits and I made the painting for the poster for the Basquiat documentary film by Tamra Davis THE RADIANT CHILD. The film is excellent, great interviews, art images, and music. I think this is the definitive Basquiat doc. It is playing at the NUART in LA and wider distribution depends on the LA attendance. Please support.
-Shepard

OPENS FRIDAY AUGUST 20
One Week Only, 8/20 – 8/26
Exclusively at Landmark Theatres
Nuart Theatre, Santa Monica Blvd
Buy Tickets Online at LANDMARKTHEATRES.com

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COEXIST x GEF x Russell Simmons

Check out this blog post and project that Glen E Friedman and Russell Simmons are working on that addresses the panic and talks about the proposed building of a new Muslim mosque near Ground Zero.

http://idealistpropaganda.blogspot.com/2010/08/all-in-days-work-on-non-issue-diversion.html

Freedom of religion is a fundamental right our nation was founded upon.
-Shepard

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Woody Guthrie Canvas Print

This print reflects the format of the Woody Guthrie painting it is based upon. The print is on18x24 paper and will be signed and numbered just below the bottom border of the printed area… allowing the purchaser to choose between a standard(more affordable) 18×24 frame, or trimming the excess paper below the signature and custom framing the print. Cropping the image to more closely suit the 18×24 proportion compromised the composition.

Woody Guthrie (1912-1967) was an American folk singer and songwriter best known for the song “This Land Is Your Land” frequently sung in American schools. Though the song is used patriotically, it was  originally intended as as a “power to the people” themed anthem, and had its more controversial verses edited out. Full original lyrics below. Guthrie grew up in Oklahoma during the dust bowl and the depression which gave him empathy toward farmers and working class people in general. Guthrie was given the nickname “The Dust Bowl Troubadour” and wrote many songs championing workers, unions, outlaws, farmers, and the downtrodden. When Woody performed he often had the slogan “This Machine Kills Fascists” emblazoned across his guitar. If Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” was the literary embodiment off the struggles of the era, Guthrie’s songs were the musical equivalent. Guthrie was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for his left leaning views. Woody Guthrie’s influence can be felt in the tradition of social justice in music ranging from Pete Seeger, to Johnny Cash, to Bob Dylan, to Jimi Hendrix, to Neil Young, to Joe Strummer(who’s original nickname was Woody”). In my MAYDAY art show, Guthrie was an essential inclusion for his tremendous influence on so many of my favorite musicians who have combined entertainment and social commentary. Proceeds from this print go to the Woody Guthrie Foundation. The painting and print are based on a photograph by Sid Grossman.

-Shepard

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Brave New Films x SNO Studio Tour

I very much believe in the work Brave New Films does. They make great, informative films about important topics, and foster grassroots activism. I am offering a studio tour and suite of 5 screen prints to help raise money for them. A tour with me is worth millions, and the screen prints billions, so bid on the auction before I retreat to an underground bunker and stop making art. Maybe I could earn Brave New Films more if I promised TO retreat to an underground bunker and stop making art. Either way your feelings go about me, Brave New Films is a great cause, and you can always bid on lunch with one of my heroes like Henry Rollins or Oliver Stone.
-Shepard

Bid on the Tour and Prints HERE
http://www.charitybuzz.com/auctions/bravenewfoundation/catalog_items

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Glenn Beck x Racial Profiling Billboard

“There is a coordinated effort to devalue everything you value. There is a coordinated effort to highjack this country.”

Beck’s attack came in response to the billboard “Have your papers ready. Racial profiling just ahead.”, which the Brave New Foundation just put up in Phoenix through Cuéntame, their Latino Facebook community, protesting the immigration law SB1070. The members of Cuéntame wanted to give voice to their concerns and we wanted to support their efforts to do so. This billboard was the brainchild of the Cuentame community who also designed the signage and raised money for its placement.

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Obey Megaphone Print

I’m producing this Obey Megaphone poster primarily to use in outdoor installations, but I decided to release a smaller signed edition after receiving several requests when the image was first seen in my NYC “May Day” mural. Free speech needs to be celebrated and exercised as a cornerstone of true participation in democracy. I think using your voice goes hand in hand with casting your vote. People with the courage to express a view that was unpopular have encouraged others to speak their minds and turned political tides. Don’t underestimate your power to make a difference. Edition of 230.

-Shepard

For release on 8/13/2010 at a random time.  Limit 1 per person/household.

18 x 24″ Screen Print    SOLD OUT

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Beyond Punk Art Show x London

Exhibition Curated by Punk Pioneer Gaye Advert of The Adverts.
Beyond Punk features artwork of legendary punk rockers and artists that have been heavily influenced by Punk Music.  Included in the show will be a few small works by Shepard.

Opening August 13th thru the 21st

Signal Gallery
96a Curtain Road
London EC2A 3AA
signalgallery.com

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Nirvana Baby x Elden Studio x Art Show

If you were ever curious about what the Nirvana Baby (Spencer Elden) thinks about all day while he cuts stencils, preps art, and calculates complex algorithms for measuring street pasters – Then this Saturday is your day!  Come check out OBEY’s very own Spencer Elden’s art show at the Elden Studio.

ART SHOW AT 9.PM :: AUG 14TH
2767 W. BROADWAY :: EAGLE ROCK :: LA CA 90041
ONE NIGHT ONLY
COME SEE MY NEW WORK AT MY STUDIO

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