Original Artwork

Obey Icon VSE #12 HPM Stencil Spray Paint Original by Shepard Fairey x Ernesto Yerena Montejano x Hecho Con Ganas x Obey Hand-Painted Multiple Unique Graffiti Street Artist Modern Pop Art on 100% Cotton Rag Fine Art Paper Framed. 2022 Signed & Numbered Edition #12 HPM Unique Original Spray Paint Artwork Size 20.5x26.5 VSE- Variable Stencil Edition Custom Mated and Framed "The "OBEY Icon" (Variable Stencil Edition) is a collaboration produced with my good friend and former co-worker Ernesto Yerena. Each piece is a stencil painting with unique variations in background painting and relief texture created with a thick application of acrylic medium through pattern stencils. The Obey Icon face evolved at the end of 1995 out of the desire to move further away from the association with Andre the Giant and toward a more streamlined and universal "Big Brother" (as in George Orwell's 1984) image." –Shepard Fairey Obey Icon VSE #12: Shepard Fairey and the Evolution of Surveillance Imagery in Street Pop Art Obey Icon VSE #12 represents a critical moment in the visual trajectory of Shepard Fairey, created in collaboration with artist Ernesto Yerena Montejano in 2022. This edition—part of the Variable Stencil Edition (VSE) series—is a 20.5 x 26.5 inch original spray paint piece on 100% cotton rag fine art paper. Signed and numbered, each print is unique, layered with hand-applied stencil work and spray-painted backgrounds. This version, labeled HPM #12, builds upon Fairey’s now-iconic Obey face by incorporating organic floral motifs, distressed textures, and a visually assertive red OBEY logo near the bottom. The central figure is the evolved version of Fairey’s original Andre the Giant icon, streamlined into a symbol with ambiguous power. As Fairey moved away from direct association with celebrity and toward ideological critique, this face became a representation of omnipresent authority. Influenced by George Orwell’s concept of Big Brother, the image no longer functions as parody—it has become an emblem of anonymous control and propaganda. The stencil format reinforces its reproducibility, aligning it with graffiti’s tradition of mass visual intervention while also preserving the aesthetic refinement found in Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork. Stencil Method as Commentary on Repetition and Power The hand-painted stencil technique used in Obey Icon VSE #12 is a deliberate visual language in itself. Fairey and Yerena build each work with layers of patterned textures and colored washes beneath the stark black facial features. These underlayers—often containing floral, ornamental, or textile-like patterns—soften the image’s authoritarian undertones while introducing visual contradiction. The face is harsh and emotionless, but the background is rich with cultural detail, especially in Yerena’s contributions which often draw on Mexican-American visual traditions. This clash reinforces the tension between systemic control and grassroots creativity. Spray paint drips, stencil misalignments, and layering imperfections are retained as aesthetic decisions rather than errors. These marks echo the history of street-based image-making where precision is often sacrificed for immediacy and message. Yet within this edition, those street elements are placed within the polished context of fine art materials—cotton rag paper, archival spray mediums, and custom framing. That duality plays with the boundaries between institutional art and insurgent expression. Collaborative Resistance and the Role of the Icon The collaboration between Shepard Fairey and Ernesto Yerena adds depth to the cultural subtext of Obey Icon VSE #12. Yerena’s Hecho Con Ganas movement is rooted in Chicano identity, social activism, and visual empowerment. The shared visual territory between Fairey and Yerena in this work situates the Obey face not just as a commentary on media and control, but as a multicultural symbol—one that can carry meaning in spaces impacted by surveillance, displacement, and systemic inequality. The image does not demand literal interpretation. Its power lies in its ambiguity. It recalls propaganda posters, corporate logos, revolutionary iconography, and even police sketches. Viewers project meaning onto it, shaped by their experiences with authority and imagery. In that way, the Obey face becomes a mirror of the visual systems that govern daily life—branding, ideology, control. Its framing and repetition across cities and galleries alike challenge the idea that art is separated from power. Obey Icon VSE #12 carries forward the legacy of Street Pop Art & Graffiti Artwork by balancing aesthetic force with conceptual weight. It refuses to choose between rebellion and refinement. The image stares back, unchanged and unblinking, forcing a question: Is this face watching us—or are we the ones obeying its silent command?

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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.

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Double-Sided Exit Sign Art Mixed Media on MTA Signage Painting Artwork by street pop culture artist Cope2. Born in 1968 as Fernando Carlo, Jr. in New York City. Cope 2’s paintings have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in galleries and museums throughout the United States and internationally. He is a self-taught artist who is a celebrated legend contributing over 30 years to the graffiti street-art culture. One of New York City’s most prolific graffiti artists, he began tagging his name in the South Bronx in 1978. He developed his style in the subways and streets of the Bronx creating graffiti productions throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s achieving international recognition for his distinctive style. The beginning of the new millennium found Cope2 in a different place in his career, as he started focusing more and more on ways to establish himself in the art scene of galleries and museums. Even though the artist had started working on canvas much earlier than the 2000s, it was then that he made this dynamic twist and agreed to exhibit indoors systematically. Whether you see graffiti as an expressive and lively form of art or as a form of irresponsible vandalism, one thing is certain; in recent years it has captured the attention of the general population to the world’s biggest galleries.

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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.

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Peace Fingers Geometric Setup Original Stencil Painting by Shepard Fairey x Ernesto Yerena Montejano One of a Kind Artwork on Cotton Rag Paper by Street Art Pop Artist. 2022 Signed Spray Paint Stencil Original Painting Size 20.5x26.5 Ernesto Yerena Montejano- Hecho Con Ganas x Shepard Fairey- Obey Hand Spray Painted with Stencils on 100% Cotton Rag Paper Setup Sheet 1 of 1 Signed by Shepard Fairey in 2021 Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity Hecho Con Ganas publishing chop in lower left corner. first to make sure all the stencil This piece is one of a kind. I painted this separations where working correctly. This piece is super clean with solid paint colors. Meaning there is NO collage stencils no acrylic medium embossing that the final VSE edition had in it. 26.5x20.5 inches

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