SHEPARD DESIGNED “THE IDEAS ISSUE” COVER FOR THE ATLANTIC MAGAZINE THIS MONTH!
If you are cruising through the grocery store or passing by a newsstand, check out this month’s issue of The Atlantic. The Atlantic’s July/August issue is the annual “Ideas Issue” which features three different covers, one of which is an illustration I did of Paul McCartney and John Lennon. I did this illustration special for the magazine to coincide with the story that explores the creative tension between Paul McCartney and John Lennon and their dynamics. The two other covers show artwork by Geoff McFetridge and Eddie Opara. I’m excited how this turned out and appreciate The Atlantic for thinking of me, especially because I’m a huge Beatles fan!
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RIP SHOGO KUBO
My friend Glen E. Friedman let me know that seminal Dogtown skater Shogo Kubo passed away while paddle boarding in Hawaii a couple days ago. Shogo was a style pioneer and big influence on one of my early skate heroes, Christian Hosoi. R.I.P. Shogo.
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Art Alliance Presents The Provocateurs | Keith Haring
Though Keith Haring died only two years after I started making street art, his art and practice had already made a profound impact on me. At art college and on the streets of NYC in the late 80’s and early 90’s, Keith’s radiant baby and other images could be seen on the tees of all the flyest hipsters. Keith Haring was a prolific artist with a distinct style of drawing and painting that was simultaneously refined, but primitive, deliberate but lyrical and energetic. Haring believed “the public has a right to art” and this philosophy informed his populist approach to spreading his art and messages. He pursued his art with a deeply personal vision, but also as a champion of social justice and a belief in the interconnectedness of humanity. Haring demonstrated the power of art on the streets, but he also put his art on t-shirts and record covers. He even opened a retail space in NYC called The Pop Shop. Eventually Haring’s artwork became widely respected, displayed, and sold as “fine art”. Haring rose from the 80’s NYC graffiti scene to not only affect the art world, but to dramatically impact pop culture. Inspired by Keith Haring’s achievements, I pursued my art career with the optimism that my goals could be attained.
-Shepard Fairey
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Complex.com includes Shepard as one of 2014’s most important visual artists
Wow! Complex.com came out with a list of the most important visual artists of 2014 and included me at the number 8 spot. To be included on a list with such respected artists like Ai Weiwei, Marina Abramovic, Banksy, Swoon, JR, Maya Hayuk, Kara Walker, and more, is a huge honor. This year has been very busy for me but also incredibly gratifying. As Complex mentions in their story, I had a significant homecoming show alongside Jasper Johns in Charleston this past May at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art. Also, earlier this year I created a portrait of Ai Weiwei as a tribute to his courage and to support his ongoing political struggle with the Chinese government. I’m excited to be working with Swoon and Maya Hayuk for the upcoming Art Alliance: The Provocateurs show in Chicago this July, so it’s cool to see them represented here as well. I have more projects on the horizon in 2014 and I’m so thankful for the shoutout from Complex! Thanks for caring and thanks for supporting me.
– Shepard
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CLEON PETERSON // THE LIGHT BEARER (GOLD) PRINT, ON SALE TOMORROW!
Cleon Peterson has been on fire lately! It’s awesome to have worked with him for so many years, and as his friend to see what he’s accomplished lately is really inspiring. Cleon’s latest print, The Light Bearer (Gold) comes out tomorrow, Thursday, June 26 at 10am PST. If you want this one, you should act fast! You can buy it here http://cleonpeterson.bigcartel.com
-Shepard
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Dave Chappelle Print
I was honored to be asked to do the illustration for Dave Chappelle’s return to New York City, which was used on the t-shirts that he gave his fans at Radio City Music Hall. Dave Chappelle is one of comedy’s greats and I’ve always thought that he is hilarious, but also fiercely intelligent in his subversive critique of social and political structures. Chappelle plays by his own rules and I respect that. If you’re like me and weren’t one of the lucky ones that got to see him perform at Radio City Music Hall this past week, pick up the print that I’m releasing on Wednesday. Hopefully I’ll get to see Chappelle perform live one of these days.
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Jim Houser | Message Bearer
JimHouser and I have been friends for many years, in fact, in the mid ‘90s he worked for me cutting stickers. I’m a big fan of his art. His work captures a specific whimsy and its aesthetic has quintessentially become his signature. Jim is a great artist who continues to produce thoughtful and accessible work and I’m excited that he is participating at Art Alliance Chicago July 31- Aug 4. Get your advance discounted tix here: http://www.artalliance.com/exhibit/ Only $10!
-Shepard
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OBEY CLOTHING Warehouse Sale
Calling all shirkers and lurkers, the OBEY CLOTHING Summer warehouse sale is finally upon us! Come get down in the sunshine June 28th – June 29th, doors open early at 7am on both days. As it gets closer to the sale we’ll be posting photos of all the goods that will be available, so stay tuned!
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SHEPARD FEATURED ON JUXTAPOZ COVER FOR JULY 2014 ISSUE
I’ve been a fan of Juxtapoz since it came out 20 years ago. At the time, no other art magazine was addressing counter-cultural art like low-brow, graffiti/street art, etc. in such a comprehensive way. My career changed for the better when I got a partial Juxtapoz cover in 1998 (thanks guys!). The editors and everyone at Juxtapoz have always been very generous to me, and I’m excited for my third cover on the magazine which just came out for this month’s issue. The cover art and feature story showcases work from my most recent show “Power & Glory” which was symbolically significant for me as a Charleston S.C. homecoming. I was shown alongside Pop Art icon and fellow South Carolinian Jasper Johns. Thank you Juxtapoz for covering the show!
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“Punk Icons” for “Punk the Capital, Straight from Washington D.C. Documentary”
Check out the “Punk Icons” print I put together to help with the “Punk the Capital” Kickstarter Campaign. The filmmakers James Schneider and Paul Bishow are telling the story of the hugely influential DC punk and hardcore music scene. The campaign is nearing its end and these guys are so close to reaching their goal. As you may know, Kickstarter is all-or-nothing, meaning that they have to reach their goal in order to get any of the money raised. Help contribute with even the smallest amount. You can also pledge a certain amount and get my “Punk Icons” print. There are only 10 of these available and they are truly one-of-a-kind. Each print is a 18 x 24 inch giclée print signed and exclusive for this campaign.
You can pledge money to the making of this film and read more about it here.
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