Shepard Fairey is a renowned artist known for his bold illustrations and iconic posters that have made a significant impact on the world of street art and activism. One of his most famous works is the sticker featuring the phrase “Andre the Giant has a posse” from 1989, which quickly gained popularity and led to a series of prints featuring the wrestler’s face.
Fairey’s art gained widespread recognition during Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008 with his portrait above the word “hope.” This optimistic artwork showcased the power of grassroots activism through visual imagery and became a symbol of inspiration for many.
The retrospective exhibition “Out of Print” by Beyond the Streets showcases over 400 prints created by Fairey over the years, along with new works that highlight his dedication to activism, empowerment, and protest. Fairey’s Obey Giant movement, which he describes as “manufacturing quality dissent since 1989,” emphasizes the rebellious and democratic nature of printmaking.
Drawing inspiration from early 20th-century propaganda posters, particularly those from the Soviet Union, Fairey incorporates design elements associated with fascism into messages of peace, feminism, love, and democracy. By subverting these motifs, he underscores the power of visual communication in conveying meaningful messages.
The exhibition, running from November 15 to January 11 in Los Angeles, invites viewers to experience the provocative and tactile nature of print on display. Fairey believes that despite the rise of digital media, the impact of a physical print displayed on a wall or in public spaces cannot be replaced.
To learn more about the exhibition, visit Beyond the Streets’ website, follow updates on Fairey’s Instagram, and purchase prints from his online shop. The striking visuals and thought-provoking messages in Fairey’s artwork continue to inspire and spark conversations about activism, social change, and the power of visual storytelling.
