Martha Cooper

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  • People’s Discontent Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY

    Shepard Fairey- OBEY People’s Discontent Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY

    People’s Discontent Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY Hand-Pulled Screen Print on Cream Speckletone Fine Art Paper Limited Edition Pop Street Art Artwork. 2021 Signed & Numbered Limited Edition of 550 Artwork Size 24x18 Silkscreen Print of CHild Spray Painting Back of Bus With Graffiti "I teamed up with my good friend and documentary photographer, Martha Cooper, on a new print release called “People’s Discontent.” Martha Cooper has been photographing creative kids in action on city streets since the mid-1970s. I remixed one of Martha’s iconic photos from her book, Street Play, titled “Hitchhiking a Bus on Houston Street” that she shot in 1978 in the Lower East Side of New York City. There was no advertisement on the back of the bus in her original photo, and since disco was the rage in the late ’70s, I thought it made sense for me to add a disco radio station with the slogan, “Listen To The Sounds of People’s Disco.” I added the “DISCO-ntent” and the spraypaint can in the kid’s hand as if he sprayed that on there. It’s a nod to that era but also to what’s going on now with the unrest around social justice issues. This limited edition print was first released through Urban Nation Museum in Berlin as part of their current show “Martha Cooper: Taking Pictures” curated by Jaime Rojo and Steven P. Harrington of Brooklyn Street Art." -Shepard Fairey People’s Discontent Silkscreen Print is a powerful example of the intersection between pop art, street art, and graffiti art. Shepard Fairey, better known by his moniker 'OBEY,' collaborated with renowned documentary photographer Martha Cooper to create this piece, drawing inspiration from the vibrant street culture that emerged in New York City in the 1970s. This print showcases Fairey's creative remix of an iconic photo by Cooper, titled “Hitchhiking a Bus on Houston Street.” The print is an intricate hand-pulled silkscreen creation on cream Speckletone Fine Art paper. Fairey added his own touch to the original photograph by inserting a disco radio station advertisement and a spray paint can in the child's hand, evoking the rebellious spirit of graffiti art. The juxtaposition of the disco radio station and the defiant "DISCO-ntent" slogan signify the sociopolitical unrest of the period, with a particular nod to the burgeoning disco movement. Fairey, while staying true to his street art roots, successfully adds a layer of pop art through the use of vibrant, mass-culture imagery, capturing a transformative period in urban history. By contextualizing this piece within the larger narrative of social justice issues, Fairey's artwork exemplifies the power of pop and street art to comment on, challenge, and shape societal norms. This limited edition print of 550 is a part of Urban Nation Museum's exhibition “Martha Cooper: Taking Pictures," curated by Jaime Rojo and Steven P. Harrington of Brooklyn Street Art. People’s Discontent Silkscreen Print represents a fusion of artistic styles, functioning as both a snapshot of a moment in time and a commentary on social issues, making it a unique and coveted piece among collectors and enthusiasts.

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    $423.00

Martha Cooper Pop Artist Graffiti Street Artworks

Martha Cooper: Chronicler of Street Art's Soul

Martha Cooper is an iconic figure in the world of photography, renowned for her comprehensive documentation of street pop art and graffiti artwork. Cooper's lens has captured the burgeoning street art scene with an authenticity and rawness that few others have managed to achieve. Born in the United States, Martha Cooper's work spans several decades, during which she has tirelessly chronicled the evolution of graffiti from its underground roots to its current status as a significant cultural and artistic movement. Her photographs are more than mere images; they are vibrant narratives that tell the story of urban landscapes and the artists who transform them. Cooper's body of work provides invaluable insight into the lives and works of street artists, serving as a historical archive of an art form often considered transient and impermanent. Her commitment to capturing the spirit of street art has made her one of the most respected and influential figures in photography and street art communities.

The Artistic Journey of Martha Cooper

Martha Cooper's journey into street art photography began with curiosity and a deep appreciation for the creativity and skill of graffiti writers. She delved into New York City's street culture in the late 1970s and early 1980s when graffiti art was burgeoning as a form of self-expression for city youths. Her seminal book "Subway Art," co-authored with Henry Chalfant, is considered the bible of street art photography and has inspired countless artists and photographers. Cooper has exhibited an unwavering dedication to her craft throughout her career, often going to great lengths to capture the perfect shot. Her work extends beyond graffiti to include the broader spectrum of street culture, from the intimate moments of play in urban spaces to the dynamic expressions of hip-hop. Cooper's ability to connect with her subjects on a personal level allows her to capture their art in an intimate and expansive manner, reflecting the diverse narratives that street art encompasses.

Martha Cooper's Enduring Legacy in Urban Art

The legacy of Martha Cooper in the realm of urban art is undeniable. Her photographs have not only preserved moments of a rapidly changing art form but have also helped propel graffiti and street art into the global consciousness. Cooper's work has been instrumental in establishing street art as a subject worthy of academic study and artistic merit. Her images have graced galleries and books, breaking the barriers between street art and the mainstream art world. Martha Cooper's enduring influence can be seen in how street art is perceived today — no longer as a form of urban blight but as a vibrant, vital part of contemporary culture. Her photographs serve as a visual lexicon of street art's history, capturing the ephemeral nature of spray paint on walls and the enduring spirit of the artists who create it. As street pop art and graffiti artwork continue to evolve, Cooper's photographic legacy will remain a cornerstone, chronicling the past and inspiring future generations to appreciate and understand the art of the streets. In the art community, Martha Cooper's contributions are a testament to the power of photography to document, preserve, and elevate the narrative of street art. Her work inspires photographers and street artists, ensuring that the stories and art of urban landscapes are captured and shared with the world. As street pop art and graffiti artwork continue to shape our visual culture, the impact of Martha Cooper's lens will undoubtedly continue to be felt, as her photographs remain some of the most significant records of one of the most influential art movements of our time.

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