Police & Cops

4 artworks


  • Sadistic Dog Walker- Red Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY

    Shepard Fairey- OBEY Sadistic Dog Walker- Red Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY

    Sadistic Dog Walker- Red 2-Color Hand-Pulled Limited Edition Silkscreen Print on Fine Speckletone Art Paper by Shepard Fairey Rare Street Art OBEY Pop Artwork Artist. 2021 Signed & Numbered Screen Print SADISTIC DOG WALKER (RED) 24 inches by 33 inches Edition of 450 November 15, 2021 I’ve made several images over the years addressing police brutality, and I think humor and absurdity help make such a heavy topic more digestible. There is a violent history of police dogs being used to attack civil rights protesters, which contrasts intensely with the blissful perspective of white dog owners who pamper their dogs and hire dog walkers. Some of us never have to think about how the police abuse their power more frequently in non-white and lower-income communities. This “Sadistic Dog Walker” image encourages us to be aware of the “two Americas.” – Shepard

    $438.00

  • Eyes On The King Verdict Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY

    Shepard Fairey- OBEY Eyes On The King Verdict Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY

    Eyes On The King Verdict 4-Color Hand-Pulled Limited Edition Silkscreen Print on Fine Speckletone Art Paper by Shepard Fairey x Ted Soqui Rare Street Art OBEY Pop Artwork Artist. 2022 Signed by Shepard Fairey & Ted Soqui, Numbered 18x24 inches. Screenprint on thick cream Speckletone paper. Numbered edition of 600. "I based this “Eyes on the King Verdict” print on photos taken by Ted Soqui during the LA riots of spring 1992. Ted has a long history of photographing activists and protests, which began after the “not guilty” verdicts on April 29, 1992, for the four officers who severely beat Rodney King. I especially love the central pic of a young woman protester in a Malcolm X hat contemplating the scene. I think it is important to consider the symbolic weight of the Rodney King verdict and the emotional impact on communities of color seeking justice and accountability. At the time, 30 years ago, I remember feeling enraged that such a blatant act of police brutality was going unpunished when it was captured on video. It is heartbreaking how frequently similar acts of violence and abuse of power by law enforcement have gone unpunished, even when caught on camera. I don’t ever condone violence or looting, but I understand why LA erupted in riots and protests after the King verdict. When people feel that the American system has failed them repeatedly, things can reach a boiling point. The urge to protest injustice and the right to do so are legitimate, even if looting is not legitimate. The LA riots were a tragic mixture. However, beware of those who try to conflate protest with “criminal agitation” or “inciting a riot.” When the system fails the people, it is nothing short of patriotic for the people to protest for a solution. Ted Soqui and I both signed the “Eyes on the King Verdict” print.” – Shepard

    $421.00

  • Sadistic Dog Walker- Blue Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY

    Shepard Fairey- OBEY Sadistic Dog Walker- Blue Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY

    Sadistic Dog Walker- Blue 2-Color Hand-Pulled Limited Edition Silkscreen Print on Fine Speckletone Art Paper by Shepard Fairey Rare Street Art OBEY Pop Artwork Artist. 2021 Signed & Numbered Screen Print SADISTIC DOG WALKER (BLUE) 24 inches by 33 inches Edition of 450 November 15, 2021 I’ve made several images over the years addressing police brutality, and I think humor and absurdity help make such a heavy topic more digestible. There is a violent history of police dogs being used to attack civil rights protesters, which contrasts intensely with the blissful perspective of white dog owners who pamper their dogs and hire dog walkers. Some of us never have to think about how the police abuse their power more frequently in non-white and lower-income communities. This “Sadistic Dog Walker” image encourages us to be aware of the “two Americas.” – Shepard

    $438.00

  • The High Cost Of Free Speech Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY

    Shepard Fairey- OBEY The High Cost Of Free Speech Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY

    The High Cost Of Free Speech Limited Edition 2-Color Hand-Pulled Silkscreen Print on Speckled Cream Paper by Shepard Fairey Graffiti Street Artist Modern Pop Art. Punk rock ignited a lot of creative and philosophical things for me, and punk principles continuously remind me that speaking truth to power and questioning authority is paramount in life. The Dead Kennedys, The Clash, Black Flag, and the Circle Jerks are just a few of the groups that referenced injustices such as police brutality and abuse of power in their songs, inspiring me to speak out about the same subjects through my art. I have made a lot of lasting friendships through punk rock and its cultural offshoots. One of those friends is Sean Bonner, who began ordering my prints in the ’90s while he was art director for punk label Victory Records.

    $421.00

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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