Shephard Fairey, Obama Hope 2008
Continuing my mini series on Obama Art, here is the now famous picture by Shepard Fairey, Obey Giant, Obama Hope 2008. Fairey is a Los Angeles based graphic artist whose work, politics, commitment, and marketing strategies I admire greatly.
This mixed media stencil collage sold for $108,000 at the Art For Life auction/Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, which provides "disadvantaged urban youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, as well as providing exhibition opportunities to under-represented artists and artists of color"
Fairey's work consciously evokes Aleksandr Rodchenko and other Russian avant garde poster designers like Dziga Vertov, whose work I also adore. In fact, his work references most of the cannon of poster art. ( Thegiant.org -not Fairey's site - has a list of sources - follow this link.) As a dedicated FAKE! myself, I appreciate this urge, and value how Fairey has taken on the cannon, borrowed heavily, yet made for himself a very distinctive look. I do wish he would rigorously credit the artists he borrows. Nothing wrong with FAKE! but giving credit is not only ethical, it also helps people learn about great art.
His work for the Obama campaign and Rock The vote is invaluable, and I honor him for that.
Shepard Fairey, Say Yes Aleksndr Rodchenko
And it just so happens that this event takes place tonight. Another Shepard Fairey design.
Shephard Fairey - Party For Change
Website to visit for more Obama Art - The Obama Art Report. Check it out.
thanks to The Obama Art Report, again, I found this article from the LA Times on Graffiti Art/Street Art and the Obama Campaign
