Shepard Fairey- OBEY

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  • Riot Cop Large Format Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY

    Shepard Fairey- OBEY Riot Cop Large Format Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY

    Riot Cop Large Format Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY Hand-Pulled on Cream Speckletone Fine Art Paper Limited Edition Artwork Obey Pop Culture Artist. 2009 Signed by Shepard Fairey- OBEY & Numbered Limited Edition of 75 Large Format Artwork Size 29.25x40.5 Silkscreen Print 20 Year Retro Series. Faint Handling Creases. Shepard Fairey's OBEY: A Landmark in Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork Shepard Fairey's "Riot Cop" is a definitive piece that embodies the rebellious spirit and critical eye of street pop art and graffiti artwork. As part of the OBEY series, this large-format silkscreen print is more than a visual statement; it's a historical marker of the genre's evolution over two decades. Crafted with precision and care, the "Riot Cop" was hand-pulled in colors on cream Speckletone fine art paper, a medium that speaks to the quality and detail revered in fine art and the raw, unfiltered message often conveyed in street art. Released in 2009, each of the 75 editions of this large-format artwork, measuring 29.25x40.5 inches, was signed and numbered by Fairey. This gesture underscores the personal touch and authenticity valued in the world of art collectors. The artwork was reissued to mark the 20th anniversary of the OBEY project, which coincided with Shepard’s 20-year retrospective at the ICA Boston. This series, revisiting images from 1998 to 2000, showcases the artist's intention to refine previous works, substituting the iconic OBEY orange for metallic gold, lending the series an air of sophistication and timelessness. Impact and Contextual Significance of Fairey's Work The "Riot Cop" is more than an aesthetic creation; it's a commentary on authority, control, and the use of power. Fairey's work is deeply ingrained in the socio-political fabric of the times, often provoking thought on the mechanisms of society and governance. The prominent use of the word "OBEY" beneath the image of an authoritative figure wielding a baton is a direct call to the viewers to question the structures and rules that govern them. This challenge to the status quo is symbolic of the cultural force that street pop art and graffiti artwork have become, serving as an outlet for creativity and a powerful tool for social critique and activism. Shepard Fairey's journey from a skater kid with a sticker campaign to a celebrated artist with a globally recognized brand is a narrative that mirrors the ascension of street art into the mainstream consciousness. The "Riot Cop" is a testament to Fairey's growth as an artist, showcasing his skill in blending the aesthetics of street art with more profound political messages. The shift in the color palette in the anniversary series from orange to metallic gold signifies a physical transformation in the artwork. It represents a maturation of the OBEY message, which has evolved to maintain relevance in an ever-changing cultural landscape. Collectability and Legacy of the OBEY Series As a limited edition artwork, the "Riot Cop" occupies a unique space in the art market, appealing to street art enthusiasts and fine art collectors. The exclusivity of the piece and its social commentary have cemented its status as a highly desirable item. The legacy of Fairey's OBEY series is not limited to the collectors who own a piece of it; it extends to its influence on aspiring street artists and the dialogue it has inspired about the role of art in society. The series mainly works like the "Riot Cop," it continues to inspire a new generation of artists who see the urban landscape as a canvas for expressing their thoughts on contemporary issues. Shepard Fairey's "Riot Cop" from the OBEY series is a significant work that captures the essence of street pop art and graffiti artwork. It stands as a cultural artifact that encapsulates the ethos of a movement, the voice of an era, and the vision of an artist who has skillfully used silkscreen printing to challenge perceptions and invite introspection. Through his work, Fairey continues to demonstrate the power of art as a means of communication, a form of resistance, and a catalyst for change.

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    $7,000.00

Shepard Fairey- OBEY> Pop Artist Graffiti Street Artworks

The Impactful Journey of Shepard Fairey and the OBEY Movement

Shepard Fairey, the artist behind the OBEY phenomenon, is a monumental figure in street pop art and graffiti artwork. Bursting onto the scene with his "Andre the Giant Has a Posse" sticker campaign in the late 1980s, Fairey's work has since evolved into a globally recognized brand, symbolizing a fusion of art, activism, and branding that has come to define modern street art. His work is characterized by bold, often provocative imagery that encourages viewers to question the mechanics of power structures and the role of media and propaganda in contemporary society. Fairey's approach to art is deeply rooted in the do-it-yourself ethos of punk rock and skateboarding cultures, which inform the anti-establishment themes prevalent in his work. His pieces often juxtapose symbols of authority with countercultural messages, creating a robust visual dialogue that challenges observers to reconsider their surroundings. Fairey's ability to disseminate his work widely, from urban walls to galleries to commercial products, has made his art accessible to a broad audience and helped elevate street art to mainstream recognition.

Shepard Fairey's Artistic Evolution and Signature Style

Over the years, Fairey's work has transcended its underground beginnings to command a significant presence in the art world. His iconic "Hope" poster, created during Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, is perhaps one of the most recognized works of contemporary street art, epitomizing the potential for this medium to impact public discourse. Fairey's style—a combination of stenciling, collage, and painting—exemplifies his unique ability to blend fine art techniques with the grit and immediacy of street art. The signature style of Fairey's pieces, marked by a limited but striking color palette and recurring motifs such as the star, the sunburst, and the OBEY logo, is instantly recognizable and speaks to the artist's concerns with branding and the commodification of art and culture. By adopting mass communication and production methods, Fairey's work comments on and utilizes the very mechanisms it often critiques.

Shepard Fairey's Contributions to Street Pop Art and Cultural Discourse

As an artist, Shepard Fairey has played a crucial role in advancing street pop art. His work has been instrumental in the dialogue about the legitimacy of street art and its place in cultural history. Fairey's art is not content to exist for aesthetic appreciation; it seeks to engage, provoke, and inspire action, reflecting his deeply held belief in art as a catalyst for social and political change. Moreover, Fairey's collaborations with other artists and forays into different mediums—from murals to music album covers to fashion—reflect the interdisciplinary nature of street art. His work with Niagara on 'Tomorrow's Another Night' and other collaborations highlight his commitment to creative partnerships that push the boundaries of traditional art forms and expand the reach of street-inspired aesthetics. Shepard Fairey is a pillar of the street pop art movement. His OBEY campaign has grown from a grassroots sticker initiative into a multifaceted project that encompasses art, design, activism, and apparel, illustrating the expansive potential of street art. Through his diverse body of work, Fairey continues to challenge perceptions, encourage public engagement, and leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. His legacy includes his iconic visual contributions and his commitment to the power of art as a tool for empowerment and change.

© 2024 Sprayed Paint Art Collection,

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