War By Numbers VSE- OG Colorway Variable Stencil Edition Acrylic Artwork on Hand Deckled Fine Art Paper by Street Artists Shepard Fairey x Ernesto Yerena Montejano x Hecho Con Ganas x Obey.
2022 War By Numbers VSE- OG Colorway 20x26.5 inches. Signed & Numbered Ultra Rare Edition of 14. Variable Stencil Edition (VSE) on Paper. Signed by Shepard Fairey, Hecho Con Ganas publishing chop in the lower-left corner.
"Created during the Iraq war, but the quest for peace requires perpetual vigilance, and the current invasion of Ukraine is a reminder of the brutality of war. The “War By Numbers” image is a statement about not becoming desensitized by war to the extent that it becomes as banal as a paint-by-numbers image. The “Peace Elephant” is an appeal to our sense of Karma and harmony with the world around us." - Shepard Fairey
A profound intersection of artistry and activism emerges in "War By Numbers VSE- OG Colorway," an emblematic piece presented by the collaborative brilliance of Shepard Fairey, Ernesto Yerena Montejano, Hecho Con Ganas, and Obey. Showcased on meticulously hand-deckled fine art paper, this 20x26.5 inch artwork not only exemplifies the prowess of its creators but also delves deeply into the social and political fabric of contemporary global scenarios. Dated 2022, this piece holds the distinction of being an ultra-rare Variable Stencil Edition (VSE) on paper, with only 14 such editions in existence, each one thoughtfully signed and numbered. Notably, the presence of the Hecho Con Ganas publishing chop in the lower-left corner augments its authenticity and intrinsic value. While the artwork itself is a marvel of color interplay and design, its underlying message is both timeless and urgent. Shepard Fairey's own words elucidate the motivation behind its creation, highlighting its inception during the Iraq war. Yet, its resonance extends beyond that particular conflict. The piece emerges as an enduring reminder of the costs of warfare, particularly with the poignant backdrop of the recent Ukraine invasion. Fairey astutely draws attention to the dangers of becoming inured to the horrors of conflict, suggesting that society must never allow war's devastation to become as commonplace and mundane as a paint-by-numbers image. This sentiment is further emphasized by the inclusion of the "Peace Elephant," symbolizing the universal aspiration for harmony and an appeal to humanity's collective conscience. In the vast realm of pop art, street art, and graffiti, "War By Numbers" stands as a testament to art's ability to transcend aesthetic appeal, challenging viewers to confront and engage with the world's most pressing issues.
Turtle Island Ganas Collage Original One of a Kind Sprayed Paint Stencil Painting Artwork on Cotton Rag Art Paper by Street Art Pop Culture Artist Ernesto Yerena Montejano- Hecho Con Ganas.
2022 Signed Original Spray Paint Painting Size 20.5"x26.5" Hand Spray Painted Stencils on 100% Cotton Rag Paper Hand Deckled Edges Signed and Numbered by Ernesto Yerena Montejano 1-Off
The Artistic Expression of "Turtle Island Ganas Collage" by Ernesto Yerena Montejano
Ernesto Yerena Montejano is an artist deeply rooted in the cultural crossroads of street pop art and graffiti artwork. His piece, "Turtle Island Ganas Collage," is a vibrant celebration of cultural identity, resilience, and the spirit of resistance. This original one-of-a-kind sprayed paint stencil painting on cotton rag art paper encapsulates the ethos of Montejano's artistic vision—Hecho Con Ganas, or "made with effort and desire." Signed by the artist, this 20.5"x 26.5" artwork reflects Montejano's commitment to creating pieces that are not only visually captivating but also imbued with social and political commentary.
Symbolism and Technique in Montejano's Work
In "Turtle Island Ganas Collage," Montejano employs the turtle, a creature revered in many indigenous cultures for carrying the world on its back, as a central figure symbolizing the earth and the interconnectedness of life. The term "Turtle Island" is a name for the North American continent used by several Native American tribes, and its inclusion in the title ties the piece to themes of heritage and land. Montejano's choice of materials—100% cotton rag paper with hand-deckled edges—complements the organic subject matter, grounding the piece in tradition and craftsmanship. The hand-sprayed stencils create a sharp contrast characteristic of graffiti art, while the intricate details and layering echo the complexities of pop art imagery.
Ernesto Yerena Montejano's Contribution to Street Pop Art
Montejano, a Mexican-American artist, contributes to the rich tapestry of street pop art through works like "Turtle Island Ganas Collage," which speak to identity, community, and activism issues. His work often reflects the experiences of the borderlands between the United States and Mexico, serving as a visual commentary on the socio-political landscape. By integrating motifs from indigenous and Chicano culture, Montejano bridges the past with the present, creating a dialogue between historical narratives and contemporary issues. His artwork transcends the traditional boundaries of street art, offering a narrative that is both universal and deeply personal. Through his art, Montejano invites viewers to engage in broader conversations about social justice, heritage, and the human condition, solidifying his place in the pantheon of street pop art and graffiti artists.
Flowers and plants have been central motifs in art for centuries, and their interpretation in Street Pop Art and graffiti Artwork is no exception. As subjects, they carry a wealth of symbolism and have been used to communicate a broad spectrum of ideas, from the transient nature of beauty to the endurance of growth. In the context of pop art, these natural elements were often rendered in a style that was antithetical to their organic origins, playing into the movement's fascination with commercialization and the banality of mass-produced goods. Artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein brought flowers and plants into the pop art conversation, turning them into repetitive, almost mechanical prints, challenging traditional aesthetics and the art world's elitism.
Floral Imagery in Pop Art
Pop art was known for embracing ordinary objects and its commentary on consumerism. Flowers in this genre were stripped of their individuality and reproduced en masse, much like the commodities they were meant to represent. This treatment of floral subjects underscored the pop art movement's preoccupation with the ideas of standardization and commodification.
Graffiti Art and Botanical Forms
In contrast to the controlled and commercialized depictions in pop art, graffiti artists use flowers and plants to bring a sense of the spontaneous and the organic into urban environments. These artists often choose floral subjects to oppose their harsh concrete canvases directly. The growth of a flower through a crack in the sidewalk is a powerful metaphor for the resilience of nature and is a frequent theme in street art, symbolizing hope and the reclaiming of space by natural beauty.
Street Art's Natural Aesthetic
Street artists have adopted and adapted the flower symbol as a personal tag or signature. The diversity of styles and interpretations among artists is vast, with some using photorealistic depictions of plants to criticize environmental issues. In contrast, others employ a more abstract or stylized approach to convey different messages or emotions. The public nature of street art means these works are not confined to galleries or private collections but are instead part of the everyday landscape, accessible to all.
Symbiosis of Urban and Natural
Street Pop Art and graffiti Artwork often create a symbiosis between the urban environment and the natural world. Flowers and plants depicted in these genres can transform dull or overlooked spaces into areas of interest and beauty. They also serve as a reminder of the natural world amid urban sprawl, offering a moment of reflection for the viewer.
Evolution of Botanical Motifs
The evolution of botanical motifs in street art and pop art reflects broader changes in societal attitudes toward the environment and urban living. As cities become more aware of the importance of green spaces, using plant imagery in street art becomes a visual representation of this shift in consciousness. It is a way for artists to participate in and sometimes lead the conversation on ecological and urban renewal.
Impact on Public Perception
The impact of these natural motifs on public perception and urban aesthetics cannot be overstated. Flowers and plants in street and pop art act not only as decoration but as integral parts of urban communities, shaping the identities of neighborhoods and influencing how residents and visitors interact with their environment.
Artistic Techniques and Media
The techniques and media used to depict these natural forms vary widely, from spray paint to stencils and from paste-ups to large-scale murals. Each method brings a different quality to the plant imagery and can alter its perception. Whether through a stencil's bold, solid colors or the intricate lines of freehand spray paint, the depiction of flowers and plants in street art is as diverse as the artists themselves.
Cultural and Social Significance
Culturally, incorporating flowers and plants into street and pop art has significant social implications. It can be a tool for community engagement, brightening up neglected areas, or making powerful statements about social and environmental issues. This art form is uniquely positioned to engage with the public on a grassroots level, often sparking discussions and inspiring community-driven initiatives.
Preservation and Documentation
While street art is inherently ephemeral, there has been a movement towards preserving and documenting these works. Photographs and books cataloging street art have become increasingly popular, ensuring that the temporary blooms on city walls are recorded and remembered.
Flowers & Plants in Graffiti Pop Art
In sum, flowers and plants as subjects in Street Pop Art and graffiti Artwork bridge the urban landscape and the natural world. They offer a visual respite from the concrete jungle and a reminder of the persistent force of nature. These motifs continue to evolve, capturing the imagination of artists and audiences alike and solidifying their place in the annals of contemporary art history.
