Police & Cops

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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

Police & Cops Graffiti Street Pop Artwork

Authority in Art: Police Depictions in Street Pop Art and Graffiti

The imagery of police and law enforcement has been a significant and provocative subject within street pop art and graffiti. Artists often utilize the symbol of the police officer to discuss power structures, critique social issues, and express a range of emotions from respect to resistance within their work.

Authority Figures in Urban Art Narratives

In the narrative of urban art, the figure of the police officer often appears as a symbol of authority. Their depiction can vary greatly among artists and artworks. For some, police are portrayed as guardians, contributing to the safety and order of city life. For others, they become representations of state power and are depicted in ways that critique their role in societal control and surveillance.

Cultural Commentary Through Police Imagery

Street pop art and graffiti have long been mediums for cultural commentary, and the depiction of police within these forms is particularly charged. In this context, police can be portrayed heroically, satirically, or even villainously, depending on the artist’s message. The representation of police in urban art often reflects current events and societal tensions, making it a form of real-time historical documentation.

Graffiti and Street Art as Dialogue with Law Enforcement

The act of creating graffiti itself can be a point of contention with law enforcement, as it often falls in legal gray areas. This relationship adds a layer of complexity to the depiction of police in street pop art, where the very act of painting can be seen as an act of defiance against the authority that police represent. In many cases, artists use their work to engage in a visual dialogue about the role of policing, creating pieces that respond to the community's perceptions and interactions with law enforcement.

Pop Art's Influence on Police Portrayals

Pop art's influence extends into the portrayal of police, often using bold colors and recognizable iconography to draw attention to their presence within society. The use of pop art aesthetics can serve to amplify the impact of the artwork’s message, whether it is a critique or an endorsement of police and their role.

Police in Street Art: A Reflective Mirror

Street art often serves as a reflective mirror of society, and depictions of police within this art form can reveal much about a community's relationship with law enforcement. These artworks can evoke conversations, challenge perceptions, and sometimes even offer a space for healing and understanding between the public and police. In the evolving canvas of the urban landscape, depictions of police in street pop art and graffiti are a testament to the nuanced and sometimes contentious relationship between authority and expression. As street artists continue to engage with this theme, the portrayal of police in their work remains a powerful commentary on community, power, and the role of art in society.

© 2024 Sprayed Paint Art Collection,

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