Propaganda

Sedation of Millions AP Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY Artist Proof Hand-Pulled Screen Print on Fine Art Paper Limited Edition Pop Street Art Artwork. AP Artist Proof 2012 Signed & AP Marked Original Run Limited Edition Artwork Size 18x24 Silkscreen Print of Number 3 in A Gun Target Retnial With Phrase "IT TAKES THE SEDATION OF MILLIONS TO HOLD US BACK." "The "Sedation Of Millions" print is inspired by the title of my favorite Public Enemy album, "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back." I think the biggest problem in America is the indifference and complacency about important issues that result from much of the population being perpetually hypnotized by conspicuous consumption, social media, entertainment, and self-medication. Using sedation and escapism for relief from the rat race might make us less aware(blissfully ignorant) but also less empowered to improve our role within the rat race… a vicious cycle of cause and effect." -Shepard Fairey The "Millions AP" silkscreen print by Shepard Fairey stands as a profound commentary on contemporary society through the lens of street pop art and graffiti artwork. As an Artist Proof from 2012, signed and marked by Fairey himself, this limited edition piece presents a powerful visual fused with a direct message characteristic of Fairey's thought-provoking style. Sized at 18x24, the print features the image of a gun target retinal, the number 3 prominently placed at its center, overlaid with the bold phrase "IT TAKES THE SEDATION OF MILLIONS TO HOLD US BACK." This artwork resonates with Fairey's ongoing exploration of control, power, and propaganda. The title and the thematic content pay homage to Public Enemy's album "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back," channeling the spirit of resistance and the power of voice emblematic of the influential hip-hop group. Fairey's work challenges the viewer to consider the societal implications of complacency and the sedative effects of consumer culture, social media, and entertainment that contribute to a collective indifference toward critical issues. Shepard Fairey, renowned for his OBEY campaign and the iconic Obama "Hope" poster, consistently blurs the lines between fine art and street art, bringing forth discussions that encapsulate the ethos of both genres. The "Millions AP" silkscreen print serves not just as a piece of art but as a call to consciousness, urging a break from the "blissful ignorance" induced by escapism and advocating for empowerment through awareness and action. This work is a visual manifestation of Fairey's critique on the cyclical nature of societal sedation and the importance of awakening from it to enact change within the systems that govern daily life. In the broader scope of street pop art and graffiti, Fairey's "Millions AP" print encapsulates the essence of the medium's capacity to reflect and impact cultural dialogue. It is a testament to the potential of visual art as a medium for social commentary and a marker of the time in which it was created.

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Shoplifters Welcome Large Format Red Black Silver Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY x Jamie Reid Hand-Pulled Screen Print on Cream Speckletone Art Paper Limited Edition Pop Street Art Artwork. 2012 Signed & Numbered Limited Edition of 50 Artwork Size 26x34.5 Created to Commemorate Reid's Ragged Kingdom Exhibition, March 16 to April 14, 2012. Shows a Hand Removing Laws From A Brief Case Infering Wall Street Money Regulations. "Jamie has been one of my biggest influences, and I'm honored that we worked on some collaborative images for the show. The new images deal with the mutual interests of Jamie and I, addressing the timeless problems of corruption and wealth inequality, but tie into the current themes of Occupy Wall Street and the dead end of fossil fuel consumption." -Shepard Fairey. Shepard Fairey and Jamie Reid: Art as Social Commentary In collaboration with Jamie Reid, the "Shoplifters Welcome Silkscreen Print" by Shepard Fairey is a powerful example of how street pop art and graffiti artwork can encapsulate and critique social and economic issues. This piece, a limited edition print, was created for the "Ragged Kingdom" exhibition from March 16 to April 14, 2012. It has become a significant work in street art for its bold political statement. The artwork depicts a hand removing a document labeled "MONEY" from a briefcase, a visual representation of deregulation, particularly within the context of Wall Street. This act is set against an offer for 'shoplifters,' a satirical nod to the notion that the financial elite operates under a different set of rules than the average person. The print's striking use of the phrase "THIS DECADE ONLY!" further emphasizes the timely nature of the message, suggesting a window of opportunity for unchecked financial behavior. Art Reflecting the Times: Occupy Wall Street and Beyond Shepard Fairey's statement about the collaboration with Jamie Reid highlights their shared focus on corruption and wealth inequality themes, notably echoed by the Occupy Wall Street movement. The movement, which started in 2011, brought widespread attention to these issues, and Fairey and Reid's work provided a visual commentary that resonated with the public sentiment of the time. The artwork not only represents the artists' perspectives but also serves as a historical marker of the socio-economic climate of the early 2010s. The "Shoplifters Welcome" print is a prime example of how street pop art and graffiti artwork can transcend the boundaries of traditional art by directly engaging with social commentary. Fairey, known for his provocative approach, and Reid, with his history of punk aesthetic, combine their styles to create a piece that is as aggressive as it is artistic. The limited edition nature of the print, signed and numbered by Fairey, adds to its allure as a collectible item, even as it challenges the structures of economic power. In creating this print, Fairey and Reid employ the aesthetic of propaganda, utilizing bold colors and stark contrasts to draw attention to their message. The choice of silkscreen printing, a technique closely associated with street art due to its mass production capabilities, further ties the work to the grassroots nature of its messages. It is a medium that allows the artwork to be disseminated widely, mirroring the spread of ideas central to movements like Occupy Wall Street. The "Shoplifters Welcome" print is a testament to the enduring power and relevance of street pop art and graffiti artwork in contemporary discourse. It is a reminder that art can be an intelligent tool for social critique, reflecting the issues of its time and prompting conversations that can lead to change. Through their collaborative efforts, Fairey and Reid have created more than just a visual piece; they have crafted a narrative that challenges viewers to consider the imagery's deeper implications and question the status quo.

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Shoplifters Welcome Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY x Jamie Reid Hand-Pulled Screen Print on Cream Speckletone Art Paper Limited Edition Pop Street Art Artwork. 2012 Signed & Numbered Limited Edition of 450 Artwork Size 18x24 Created to Commemorate Reid's Ragged Kingdom Exhibition, March 16 to April 14, 2012. Shows a Hand Removing Laws From A Brief Case Infering Wall Street Money Regulations. "Jamie has been one of my biggest influences, and I'm honored that we worked on some collaborative images for the show. The new images deal with the mutual interests of Jamie and I, addressing the timeless problems of corruption and wealth inequality, but tie into the current themes of Occupy Wall Street and the dead end of fossil fuel consumption." -Shepard Faire.y Shepard Fairey's Collaboration with Jamie Reid in Street Pop Art The "Shoplifters Welcome Silkscreen Print" is a remarkable intersection of street pop art and political commentary, created by the influential Shepard Fairey in collaboration with Jamie Reid. This limited edition hand-pulled screen print on cream speckletone art paper is a testament to the potency of visual art as a tool for social critique. Released as part of Jamie Reid's Ragged Kingdom exhibition from March 16 to April 14, 2012, this artwork resonates with anti-establishment and dissent themes common in street pop art and graffiti artwork. Shepard Fairey, renowned for his OBEY campaign and the iconic Obama "Hope" poster, has a history of infusing his work with sharp political insights. The artwork in discussion depicts a hand removing laws from a briefcase, a direct inference to the deregulation of Wall Street and the unshackling of financial institutions from legal constraints. This visual metaphor conveys the message of wealth inequality and corruption, both highly relevant to the zeitgeist of the early 2010s, especially in the Occupy Wall Street movement. Artistic Expression of Sociopolitical Issues The collaborative nature of this artwork, involving both Shepard Fairey and Jamie Reid, underscores a shared commitment to addressing pressing societal issues through art. Fairey's statement about the collaboration highlights their mutual interest in tackling the "timeless problems of corruption and wealth inequality," themes that are also deeply embedded in the philosophy of street pop art. The artwork becomes a canvas for discourse, echoing the sentiments of public protests and movements that call for justice and economic reform. In creating the "Shoplifters Welcome" piece, Fairey and Reid tap into the legacy of street pop art's ability to reach a broad audience. Street pop art, often found in public spaces, speaks directly to the masses, unfiltered by the gatekeeping of traditional art venues. Though housed within the confines of an exhibition, this print carries the spirit of street art by being a piece of graffiti artwork that one can own—a symbol of both rebellion and commodification. The limited edition nature of the print, being one of only 450, adds a layer of exclusivity to a piece that speaks about wealth disparity, creating an exciting tension between the artwork's message and its status as a collectible item. Each print, signed and numbered by Fairey, is a piece of art and a statement about the artist's role in society—as an observer, a critic, and a participant in the cultural dialogue about power and money. This artwork, sized 18x24, encapsulates a period of intense socio-political activism, serving as a historical document that captures the essence of the early 2010s. The stark imagery, reminiscent of propaganda art, is both a nod to the past and a commentary on the current state of affairs. It draws a parallel between the actions on Wall Street and the broader issues of regulatory oversight and the power imbalance, which remain relevant in discussions about the economy and governance. In the larger context of street pop and graffiti artwork, Shepard Fairey and Jamie Reid's "Shoplifters Welcome" print is a powerful reminder of art's role in society. It bridges the gap between aesthetic appeal and social commentary, functioning as a visual manifesto that calls for reflection and action. The piece is not merely an artwork to be viewed but a conversation starter, a call to arms, and a historical artifact.

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Occupy Protester A.P. 2-Color Hand-Pulled Limited Edition Silkscreen Print on Fine Speckletone Art Paper by Shepard Fairey, Rare Street Art OBEY Pop Artwork Artist. A.P. Artist Proof 2012 Signed & Numbered Occupy Protester, 2012 Screenprint in colors on speckled cream paper 24 x 18 inches (61 x 45.7 cm) (sheet) A.P. (aside from an edition of 450) Signed, numbered, and dated in pencil along lower edge Published by Obey Giant, Los Angeles. Occupy Wall Street Shepard Fairey's 'Occupy Protester': A Beacon of Street Pop Art and Activism Shepard Fairey's 'Occupy Protester' is a poignant representation of the artist's involvement with the Occupy Wall Street movement and his continuous impact on street pop art and graffiti artwork. As an artist-proof (A.P.), this 2012 silkscreen print in colors on speckled cream paper was apart from the main edition of 450, enhancing its rarity and desirability among collectors and enthusiasts of the genre. Measuring 24 x 18 inches, the print is significant not only for its artistic merit but also for its strong political message. The 'Occupy Protester' features a figure wrapped in a scarf, with only the eyes visible, set against a backdrop of bold red and black stripes. This image is striking and filled with emotion, reflecting the intensity and urgency of the Occupy movement. The number "99%" prominently displayed in the artwork resonates with the movement's message, which protested against economic inequality and the disproportionate power of the wealthiest 1% of the population. Fairey's choice of speckle-tone paper adds an organic feel to the work, suggesting the grassroots nature of the protests. Cultural and Political Impact of Fairey's Work Shepard Fairey has long been an artist who uses his work to comment on social and political issues. 'Occupy Protester' continues this tradition, embodying the spirit of resistance and the call for change that defined the early 2010s. Published by Obey Giant, Los Angeles, the print serves as a historical document of the time, encapsulating the widespread feelings and sentiments among the participants of the Occupy Wall Street movement. Fairey's ability to communicate powerful messages through his art has solidified his position as a pivotal figure in the street pop art movement. The legacy of 'Occupy Protester' extends beyond its initial release. As a piece of street pop art, it has been instrumental in demonstrating the potential of art to influence public discourse and act as a catalyst for social change. The artist’s signature and numbering along the lower edge of the print serve as a reminder of the personal commitment and the voice of the artist behind the work. It is a testament to Fairey's dedication to his craft and his unwavering support for movements that seek to challenge the status quo. Legacy of 'Occupy Protester' in Street Art Shepard Fairey's 'Occupy Protester' is more than just a piece of art; it symbolizes a pivotal moment in contemporary history. It represents the synergy between art and activism and how street pop art can transcend traditional canvases to become a part of the collective consciousness. As an A.P. screenprint, it holds a special place in the chronicles of street art, signifying a moment when art and the artist stepped out of the shadows and into the arena of political activism. The print remains a powerful piece of visual communication, reflecting the ethos of a movement that sought to redefine power and privilege in the modern world.

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