Obey Giant Headlines

Providence Industrial x Foo Fest 2010 x AS220

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

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CAC x Print Release x Phone App

For those near Cincinnati and interested in seeing Shepard’s Supply and Demand, 20 Year Survey, this is the last month it will be on exhibit.  The show is scheduled to close at the CAC on August 22nd.  To celebrate its final days, we decided to collaborate with the CAC once again with a print.  This print is a sister print to the original CAC print released in February.  Shepard decided to take a new spin on the print and use the fine art canvas of the Rise Above Control image as the reference.   For information on the edition and release CLICK MORE.

In addition to the Print, the CAC has launched two FREE interactive phone apps that explore the OBEY/Shepard Fairey Murals around Cincinnati.  For more information on the Phone App, please visit http://www.contemporaryartscenter.org/faireytrek .

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Adventure x Phil Lumbang x Giant Robot

Giant Robot Presents:
‘Adventure!’ an art show featuring new work by Philip Lumbang

August 7 – September 1, 2010
Opening Reception: Saturday, August 7, 6:30 – 10:00 PM

GR2
2062 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
http://gr2.net/

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Arizona x SB1070 x Day 1

Today marks the first day that the Immigration Law, SB1070, is in effect.  The law met with some obstacles as some of the most controversial components of the law were struck down by a federal judge late last night.  Also protesters were taking a stand as the entrance to Sheriff Arpaio’s station was faced with a human barricade to block any arrests processed under the law.  Keep up the good fight!  Thanks Ernesto for the photos.

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Sea No Evil 2010

2010 SEA NO EVIL ART SHOW
Benefiting SEA SHEPHERD CONSERVATION SOCIETY
Saturday, July 31st, 2010, 6:00 pm

For one night only over 60 art pieces from noted artists will be sold in an silent auction format for the sole benefit of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.  Shepard will be there spinning records and will have limited edition Paul Watson Prints available plus donated artwork!

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE

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Moon Over Biloxi

The title of this print “Moon Over Biloxi” is a tribute to the  Dead Kennedy’s song “Moon Over Marin”. In 1984 I picked up maybe my 4th punk record which was the 2nd Dead Kennedy’s album “Plastic Surgery Disasters”. The album is a great listen all the way through and includes some blistering tunes like “Riot” and “Bleed For Me” laced with social commentary. The surprise song though is “Moon Over Marin”… detractors have called it the Dead Kennedy’s “U2” song, but I disagree. “Moon Over Marin” is more melodic than most DK, but juxtaposed with the darkness of the lyrics, the song evokes a powerful sense of existential melancholy. I think the concept that struck me, and stuck with me, is that our disrespect of each other and the planet may doom us , but things will continue without us. I think it is healthy to recognize impermanence, but also to appreciate the value of the ephemeral. Moonlight, real or electric, will probably be around, but what it will be casting light on is the real question. There will always be a moon over Biloxi.
-Shepard

Prints will ship within 10 to 15 days from the date of your order.

A portion of the proceeds go to the NRDC.  Click for more to hear the Dead Kennedy’s song.

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AZ Immigration Law Email Response

Dear Emailer,
Thanks for your note and support of my clothing line. I guess you and I have different concerns and opinions. Just because a majority of people support something does not make it right. The majority of the country supported slavery, segregation, and not allowing women or blacks to vote at various times. Yes, I need to make enough money to survive, but my business endeavors are secondary to my stance on human rights. In fact, I use my business to finance my art, which is often political. I think how we make and spend money can be very political, actually, almost every decision we make has political repercussions. I take a stand on issues I believe in despite the possible resulting harm to my business. The immigration issue is complex, but what I think is important is compassion. I see no difference between immigrating here for a better life as a Latin American now, or a European 200 or 300 years ago. Racial profiling has obvious potential for abuse by law enforcement, and tearing apart families is never the right solution. I’m not advocating illegal immigration or lawlessness. I’m opposed to abuses of basic human rights and liberties for all people. If these rights for immigrants are not supported, there may be a situation in the future that may disqualify YOU from those basic rights.
-Shepard
______________________________________

From: Emailer
Date: July 24, 2010 4:58:56 AM PDT
Subject: [Obey Giant Contact Form] General Inquiries

I run a business, too, and I think it’s foolish to mix your personal views with your professional image. Lashing out against the AZ law on your business website was a poor choice. Over 50% of the county supports this law. It will likely cost you business. Stick to what you know–making t-shirts. Nobody cares what their t-shirt manufacturer thinks about immigration. Sorry to sound harsh, but I like your clothes and if you want to stay in business you need to exercise some discretion.
– Emailer

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GIANT vs. Giant Round 2

OK, just so you drama queens know… GIANT is a friend of mine and was invited to do this piece. Sorry to deny you the joy of spreading juicy “beef” gossip, but I’m sure your quest for juicy “beef” can be satisfied elsewhere.  Enjoy!
– Shepard

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Racial Profiling Ahead Billboard

We can’t stop now. We must keep fighting this unjust law that will effectively institutionalize discrimination against the Latino community.  Proceeds from the “We Are Human” print go to immigration reform organizations such as the one below!  Please take a second and support.

Brave New Foundation’s Cuéntame asks:
If you can help us raise $10,000 by Monday, July 26, Cuéntame will purchase a billboard on a populated street in Phoenix showing the law for what it really is. The powerful line for the billboard has already been chosen on Facebook by the members of Cuéntame. Now all we need is your support.  Please help us in our next step to send a giant message to the Arizona government.

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Update: Jim Houser x The Homebody

If you missed the opening of Jim’s show be sure to stop by Subliminal and experience the transformation of a gallery into a work of art. Check out the video and get a little insight to Jim’s artwork and take notice of the music which was written and recorded by Jim himself. If you love it like we do you can own the music – Available at Subliminal Projects!

Juxtapoz Interview featured HERE!
http://www.juxtapoz.com/24924-jim-houser-an-interview-with-the-homebody

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