In the world of street art there are a few key players who have shaped and changed the face of it’s public appearance. Crossing boundaries and questioning the authorities that be, these artists have forged a new respect for an underworld of creative inspiration, youthful purpose and self directed expression.
When it comes to this world, Shepard Fairey is no visitor. He is an innovator in his own right. Born from the underbelly skateboard scene back in the early to mid 80′s, Fairey embraced the do-it-youself approach and started a movement that has launched him into a position of International recognition.
From his “Andre the Giant Has a Posse” sticker campaign to his role promoting president Obama on his recent run for presidency, Shepard Fairey has dabbled in a bit of everything. His notorious “OBEY” clothing line, started in 1989, can be seen selling clear across the globe in stores ranging from boutique fashion outlets to underground skateboard shops.
From 1997-2003 he also co-partnered BLK/MRKT Inc. alongside Dave Kinsey and Phillip DeWolff. The studio specialized in guerilla marketing and their high impact marketing campaigns included the likes of clients such as Pepsi, Hasbro and Netscape.
In 2003 he founded Studio Number One, an intimate design agency with his wife Amanda Fairey. The studio produced cover artwork for Black Eyed Peas, Smashing Pumpkins, Led Zeppelin and many others.
Besides Fairey’s business endeavors he has become Internationally recognized for his politically charged artwork. His Obama “HOPE” portrait was distributed across the USA via 300,000 stickers and over 500,000 posters during Obama’s run for presidency. Obama even sent a personal letter to Fairey in 2008 thanking him for his contribution to the campaign.
“I would like to thank you for using your talent in support of my campaign. The political messages involved in your work have encouraged Americans to believe they can change the status-quo. Your images have a profound effect on people, whether seen in a gallery or on a stop sign. I am privileged to be a part of your artwork and proud to have your support.” — Barack Obama, February 22, 2008
His work however with the Obama campaign landed him in some hot water with criticism emerging about Fairey’s use of appropriated artwork in his creations. Mannie Garcia, a photographer for the Associated Press filled charges in 2009 claiming that the image of Obama used as the basis for the campaign poster was in fact one his copyrighted photos taken while on assignment. Fairey stands by his position that the appropiation of the photo was done so under the “Fair Use” doctrine and in turn has filled a suit against the Associated Press to clear his name.
All in all Shepard Fairey has raised the bar for the do-it-yourself movement and he’s effectively taken charge of his creativity, opening doors for himself that many may not have thought possible. With works already included in collections at the Smithsonian, the Museum of Modern Art and the Vistoria and Albert Museum in London we can rest assured that we have yet to see everything that this influential and powerful artist has up his sleeve. I for one, look forward to the future and seeing what he does next.
This amazing interview offers so great insight into the inspirations and process behind the man that is Shepard Fairey.
Shepard Fairey from Arkitip, Inc. on Vimeo.
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11.21.2009
Thank you for sharing this piece on the artist Shepard Fairey with me. I have seen a lot of his work but I never new much about him. I feel inspired by reading this and for that I THANK YOU!!