Asian American

Red & Cream Sedation in Bloom Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY Hand-Pulled on Cream Speckletone Fine Art Paper Limited Edition Artwork Obey Pop Culture Artist. 2021 Signed by Shepard Fairey- OBEY & Numbered Limited Edition of 150 Artwork Size 18x24 Sedation in Bloom Silkscreen Print Series.  "I originally worked on this poppy pattern art as part of my collaboration with artist Gordon Cheung. In our piece, we addressed the tragic murder of Vincent Chin and the historical use of anti-Asian imagery and symbols in Western culture. The poppy is a beautiful flower with many symbolic interpretations, including peace, death, sleep, and sedation. I often weave floral and decorative patterns into my art to draw viewers in and make challenging concepts more digestible. However, decorative appeal can sedate people and distract them from more important social issues. Whether in entertainment, alcohol, drugs, or conspicuous consumption, I think sedation is a major cause of social and political complacency and ignorance. These Sedation In Bloom prints serve the dual purpose of a decorative escape and a reminder to stay awake and aware!" -Shepard Fairey- OBEY. Sedation in Bloom: A Convergence of Beauty and Consciousness in Street Pop Art Shepard Fairey, an American contemporary street artist, graphic designer, activist, illustrator, and founder of OBEY Clothing, has long been a defining figure in the street art movement. Born on February 15, 1970, in Charleston, South Carolina, Fairey's work emerged from the skateboarding scene and has since transcended the confines of street pop art and graffiti artwork to become a recognized global phenomenon. The Dual Nature of the Poppy in Fairey's Work Fairey's Sedation in Bloom series represents a nuanced intersection of aesthetics and socio-political commentary. The limited edition silkscreen prints, specifically the Red & Cream Sedation in Bloom, present an intricate poppy pattern against a cream speckle tone fine art paper. Each artwork in this edition of 150 pieces bears Fairey's signature, indicating authenticity and his personal touch. The dimensions of 18x24 inches offer a substantial canvas for the visual interplay of vibrant red against a serene cream backdrop, creating a captivating, visually striking, and symbolically rich contrast. The poppy, a central motif in this series, has many meanings. It is a flower associated with peace and death, and its narcotic properties connect it to sleep and sedation. Fairey manipulates the natural allure of the poppy to entice the viewer, employing its inherent beauty as a vessel for more profound reflection. The paradoxical use of the poppy in his artwork draws attention to the seductive qualities of the very things that lull society into a state of complacency – entertainment, alcohol, drugs, and materialism. Art as a Vehicle for Social Commentary and Awareness Fairey's collaboration with British-Chinese artist Gordon Cheung on this series underscores a shared commitment to addressing critical social issues. The poppy pattern, initially conceptualized for their joint piece tackling the tragic murder of Vincent Chin and the historical exploitation of anti-Asian sentiments, transcends its aesthetic value. It becomes a poignant commentary on how seductive imagery and symbols can be utilized to obscure and distract from pressing societal concerns. Fairey's art, notably this silkscreen print series, is not just a decorative artifact; it serves a dual purpose – to offer an escape and simultaneously to act as a wake-up call, urging viewers to remain conscious and engaged with the world around them. The Sedation in Bloom series exemplifies Fairey's philosophy that art should challenge the viewer, not just aesthetically but intellectually and morally. In the tradition of excellent street pop art, these pieces blur the boundaries between high and low culture, between art and activism. Fairey does not merely seek to beautify spaces with his work; he aims to provoke thought and inspire action. The decorative patterns and striking color contrasts are meticulously crafted to draw people in, only to confront them with the underlying message that beauty should not be a sedative but a stimulant for awareness and change. The enduring relevance of Fairey's work lies in its ability to navigate the complex dynamics of visual culture in a society saturated with imagery designed to sell, distract, and sedate. Fairey empowers the public to see beyond the surface and question the status quo by imbuing his street pop art and graffiti artwork with critical discourse. The Red & Cream Sedation in Bloom silkscreen print stands as a testament to the potential of street art to transcend the walls upon which it is placed and to foster a dialogue that extends into the social and political realms. In examining Fairey's contributions through the lens of his Sedation in Bloom series, one observes an artist deeply attuned to the power of imagery in shaping perceptions and behaviors. As an agent of change through visual language, Fairey's work encourages a vigilant and discerning gaze – a call to action for a society often too readily sedated by the opiate of the visually and materially appealing. It is through pieces like Sedation in Bloom that Fairey's voice resonates, imploring viewers to awaken from their slumber and engage with the pressing issues of our time.

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Cream & Blue Sedation in Bloom Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY Hand-Pulled on Cream Speckletone Fine Art Paper Limited Edition Artwork Obey Pop Culture Artist. 2021 Signed by Shepard Fairey- OBEY & Numbered Limited Edition of 150 Artwork Size 18x24 Sedation in Bloom Silkscreen Print Series.  "I originally worked on this poppy pattern art as part of my collaboration with artist Gordon Cheung. In our piece, we addressed the tragic murder of Vincent Chin and the historical use of anti-Asian imagery and symbols in Western culture. The poppy is a beautiful flower with many symbolic interpretations, including peace, death, sleep, and sedation. I often weave floral and decorative patterns into my art to draw viewers in and make challenging concepts more digestible. However, decorative appeal can sedate people and distract them from more important social issues. Whether in entertainment, alcohol, drugs, or conspicuous consumption, I think sedation is a major cause of social and political complacency and ignorance. These Sedation In Bloom prints serve the dual purpose of a decorative escape and a reminder to stay awake and aware!" -Shepard Fairey- OBEY. Cream & Blue Sedation in Bloom: Reflecting on Society Through Street Pop Art The Cream & Blue Sedation in Bloom silkscreen print by Shepard Fairey, an iconic figure in the street pop art and graffiti artwork realm, stands as a thought-provoking piece that goes beyond mere aesthetic pleasure. Fairey, born as Frank Shepard Fairey on February 15, 1970, in Charleston, South Carolina, USA, has carved a niche for himself with works that often reflect a blend of political activism and artistry. This particular artwork, a part of the Sedation in Bloom series, is no exception. Hand-pulled on cream speckletone fine art paper, the Cream & Blue Sedation in Bloom is a limited edition artwork, with each piece signed and numbered by Fairey himself. The size of the artwork, 18x24 inches, offers a substantial canvas for the expression of intricate and symbolic imagery. Limited to an edition of 150, these prints capture the exclusive nature of Fairey's work. The Symbolism of Poppies in Fairey's Visual Language The motif of the poppy in this series carries rich symbolic interpretations, ranging from peace to death, and from sleep to sedation. Fairey's choice of the poppy is deliberate and multifaceted; it is not only about creating a pleasing visual but also about the underlying message it conveys. The interplay of the serene blue on cream reflects a tranquil aesthetic, yet the poppies' association with sedation challenges the viewer to look deeper into the societal implications of the artwork. Fairey’s work is a commentary on the complacency and ignorance that he perceives as pervasive in society. The seductive nature of entertainment, alcohol, drugs, and material excess serves as a means to sedate the masses, distracting them from social and political engagement. Through the Cream & Blue Sedation in Bloom print, Fairey juxtaposes the allure of the poppies with a call to consciousness, urging the viewer to stay awake and aware amid societal distractions. Artistic Collaboration and Social Commentary The inception of this poppy pattern art arose from Fairey's collaboration with Gordon Cheung, where the duo addressed the harrowing murder of Vincent Chin and the use of anti-Asian motifs in Western culture. By incorporating these themes into his street pop art, Fairey elevates the conversation from street-level discourse to a wider socio-political dialogue. The prints serve as a decorative escape, yet they double as a potent reminder of the importance of staying alert to the world's inequities and injustices. Shepard Fairey's Cream & Blue Sedation in Bloom is a striking example of how street pop art can be a powerful medium for social critique. As viewers engage with the harmonious color scheme and the delicate floral patterns, they are also confronted with the societal urge to remain vigilant. Through this series, Fairey reiterates his belief in the capacity of art to ignite change, to unsettle the comfortable, and to provoke a reawakening of social consciousness. The artwork symbolizes the dual role of art in modern culture: as an object of beauty and as a catalyst for awareness and action.

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Emerge Artwork Giclee Limited Edition Fine Art Print on 100% Cotton Hahnemühle Museum Etching Paper by Pop Culture Graffiti Artist Victo Ngai. Limited edition of 50. Signed and numbered. GCIA 2012 Silver Medal. Due to how this artwork was made and stored by the artist, many of Ngai's older prints contain slight yellowing to the extreme upper and lower white margin that extends about 1mm. This does not effect the image at all and the prints are perfect besides this.

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In The Nature of Daydreaming No 2 PP HPM Archival Print by Helice Wen Limited Edition Hand Painted Multiple on 290gsm Fine Art Paper Pop Artist Modern Artwork. PP Printers Proof 2020 Signed & Marked PP HPM Acrylic Paint Hand Embellished Print Limited Edition Artwork Size 17x24 Archival Pigment Fine Art. Exploring the Fusion of Street Pop Art and Graffiti in Helice Wen's "In The Nature of Daydreaming No 2" The art world has witnessed a captivating blend of styles and mediums in recent times, exemplified by Helice Wen's "In The Nature of Daydreaming No 2". This piece is a stellar example of how modern artists are intertwining elements of street pop art and graffiti to create innovative, visually striking artworks. Released in 2020, this limited edition hand-painted multiple (HPM) archival print showcases Wen's unique vision, merging traditional fine art techniques with the raw, expressive energy of street art. Helice Wen, an artist renowned for her emotional and evocative work, brings a fresh perspective to pop art. Her piece "In The Nature of Daydreaming No 2" is particularly notable for its use of acrylic paint on 290gsm fine art paper, a choice that speaks to the blend of durability and delicacy in her work. The artwork, measuring 17x24 inches, is a testament to her mastery of both scale and detail. The Significance of Printers Proof (PP) in Contemporary Art The PP, or Printers Proof, edition of this artwork holds a special place in the art community. Traditionally, printer's proofs were seen as a part of the printmaking process, reserved for the printer's use and not typically for sale. However, in contemporary art, these proofs have gained value as unique pieces, often more sought-after than standard editions due to their rarity and the direct involvement of the artist. Wen's decision to sign and mark this piece as a PP HPM further elevates its exclusivity and appeal to collectors. Hand Embellishment: A Bridge Between Fine Art and Street Aesthetics The hand-embellished nature of this artwork is a crucial aspect of its charm and value. Hand embellishments in art involve the artist adding individual touches to each print, making every piece in the edition unique. In the context of Wen's work, this practice blurs the line between traditional fine art prints and street art's spontaneity and individualism. The use of acrylic paint for hand embellishments in "In The Nature of Daydreaming No 2" not only adds texture and depth to the piece but also infuses it with the raw energy characteristic of graffiti. Archival Quality and Its Role in Modern Art Preservation The use of archival pigment in fine art is another aspect that sets Wen's work apart. Archival pigments are known for their long-lasting quality, ensuring that the artwork does not fade or deteriorate over time. This longevity is essential for collectors and art enthusiasts who view the purchase of such pieces as an investment. The 290gsm fine art paper used in this print further contributes to its durability, striking an optimal balance between weight and texture. In summary, Helice Wen's "In The Nature of Daydreaming No 2" is a fascinating example of how contemporary artists are melding the worlds of street pop art, graffiti, and fine art. Through her choice of medium, hand embellishments, and attention to archival quality, Wen has created a piece that not only stands out in the modern art landscape but also challenges and expands the boundaries of traditional art forms.

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