Farewell Jon Stewart!
No offense to the mighty Noam Chomsky, but when it comes to political insight and humor and cultural resonance, Jon Stewart is unbeatable. Without Jon Stewart there would be no Stephen Colbert as we know him, and their back-to-back programs, to me were the most potent social and political commentary that’s been on television in my lifetime. I’m sad that Stephen is off the air, and that Jon is about to be, but I think they’ve demonstrated what’s possible and I know have inspired me and countless others to be outspoken but to keep a sense of humor. I’m looking forward to Colbert’s next reincarnation and I hope that Jon Stewart gets some much needed rest, running a daily show much less The Daily Show, must be incredibly exhausting. Thanks for having more stamina than most Jon! – Shepard
Watch a send off by Stephen Colbert HERE!
Image not by Shepard Fairey – image courtesy of EscapeHatchDesign
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To Live and Dine in L.A.
On Sunday, August 9, the Library Foundation of Los Angeles will bring “To Live and Dine in L.A.” to the stage with hip hop artist Rakaa Iriscience (Dilated Peoples), chef Roy Choi, and USC professor Josh Kun for a one-of-a-kind Los Angeles evening, where beats and rhymes (and jarocho and opera) will meet food history and food justice. Through music, video, storytelling, and more, an all-star lineup of very special guests will take us on a DJ-driven, multidimensional journey through the menu collection of the Los Angeles Public Library and shine a light on the issues of food insecurity currently facing the city.
If you remember what happened two summers ago at the Library Foundation’s last big concert, you know this will be an event never to be forgotten…
To Live and Dine in L.A.: A Live Mixtape
Sunday, August 9, 2015 at 7pm
The Regent Theater in Downtown LA
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MCA Day: celebrating the life of Adam Yauch
MCA Day returns to Brooklyn this Saturday, August 8th to celebrate the life and legacy of the inspirational Adam Yauch! I created a special edition poster below which will be exclusively available at the event. This poster was adapted from the original print I made in collaboration with Glen E. Friedman to benefit the Adam Yauch Foundation. Festivities kick of at noon and the event is free. Get more details HERE.
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A Ghost in the family
This is a great article about three of my favorite artists. Barry McGee, Margaret Kilgallen, and Clare Rojas. Barry McGee, A.KA. Twist, was one of my biggest influences by demonstrating that it is possible to master the streets and the gallery. I loved Margaret’s paintings and installations, so I was devastated when she died young of cancer. Clare Rojas went to RISD and used to help me cut stickers at my Providence studio. The story of Barry, Margaret, and Clare is amazing! Check it out. -Shepard
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Violent by Design
This Friday, August 7 be sure to stop by Stay Gallery in Downey, for the opening reception of VIOLENT BY DESIGN, a group exhibit highlighting today’s finest illustrators and designers behind the skate and streetwear industries.
VIOLENT BY DESIGN pays homage to the hard work and aggressive dedication put in by the artists who helped create a wildly successful industry for brands such as Rebel8, Us Versus Them, Rook, 123Klan, Primitive, Obey, The Hundreds, and many more. A dark theme will resonate throughout, representing the “killer” in each artist – the hunger to design.
Opening Reception, August 7, 7pm-11pm
11140 Downey Ave, Downey, CA 90241
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AS I AM: THE LIFE AND TIME$ OF DJ AM
DJ AM had a big impact on the music and DJ scene in LA. He and I DJ’d together a few times and it was always a blast watching him spin. I was saddened when he passed unexpectedly, and some of his good friends are working on this documentary “As I AM: The Life and Time$ of DJ AM.” Check it out and if you are in a position to contribute, please do. – Shepard
Click HERE for more info!
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RIP Rowdy Roddy Piper
Rowdy Roddy Piper, former pro wrestler, and protagonist of John Carpenter’s film “They Live,” passed away last night from a heart attack. “They Live” was the film that, along with my love of Orwell, inspired the use of the word OBEY in my art. Rowdy Roddy knew about the OBEY connection and we met up a couple of times. He was a genuine, passionate, nice guy! He told me some amazing stories about his early days struggling to establish himself as a wrestler and his times with Andre the Giant. We had a great time talking about rebellion and what it takes to make it on your own terms. I’m really glad I got to hang with him. Rowdy was an original who will be missed. Watch “They Live” if you haven’t… Roddy has some great lines like “I came here to chew bubblegum and kick-ass and I’m all out of bubblegum.” That one was appropriated and reworked by Linklater in “Dazed and Confused.” Thanks for the inspiration Roddy. -Shepard
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Support diplomacy with Iran!
I’m a believer in diplomacy over fear and war. Check out this video… and don’t swallow the hawkish propaganda that the nuclear deal with Iran makes the world LESS SAFE! -Shepard
Call Congress to support the Iran Deal: 844-338-5149 (toll free) – tell Congress to support diplomacy with Iran.
Last Week to see SID in Paris!
Last week to see SID: Superman Is Dead at the Magda Danysz gallery in Paris! This unique tribute to the life of Sid Vicious features original paintings and prints by Shepard, shown alongside the legendary photos of Sid taken by photographer Dennis Morris. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to see and own a piece of cultural and music history!
“[…] Sid remains one of punk’s most enduring icons even if he is a classic example of style over substance. I was a sucker for Sid’s image as a teenager, and I still am, even though I see him as less “cool” and more tragic and cautionary these days. I have made many images of Sid over the years, and I thought I had retired him as a subject until Dennis Morris-the photographer of the most intimate and iconic shots of Sid-approached me about collaboration. Dennis’s archive provided an amazing treasure trove of Sid images to work from in creating the paintings and prints in the “Superman Is Dead” show. I’m so glad I got to do Dennis’s Sid images “My Way”! I can now retire Sid as a subject. I’ve worked with the best, I can skip the rest”. – Shepard
SID: SUPERMAN IS DEAD
A collaborative exhibition between Dennis Morris and Shepard Fairey
Opening Reception: Saturday, July 4th 6-8pm
Magda Danysz Gallery – 78, rue Amelot – Paris 11
On view July 4 – August 1, 2015
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Opening Recap: It’s A Beautiful Day I Guess at Subliminal Projects
The opening of It’s A Beautiful Day, I Guess at Subliminal Projects last Saturday featured a healthy dose of style, wit, and pop cultural appropriation infused with legendary hip-hop lyrics and iconography. In addition to varied works by Greg Bojorquez, Mark Drew, Michelle Guintu, Patrick Martinez, and Tim Diet, the night culminated in a powerful performance by Jeramee Haynie and Kevin Woodruff. Check out these pictures from the show and be sure to stop by Subliminal Projects between now and August 15 to see the exhibition. For more information click HERE.
IT’S A BEAUTIFUL DAY, I GUESS
In Collaboration With Andres Guerrero
EXHIBITION DATES: July 18 – August 15
Subliminal Projects
1331 W. Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Photo credit: Yuri Hasegawa
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