Artwork Description
Black & Cream Sedation in Bloom Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY Hand-Pulled on Cream Speckletone Fine Art Paper Limited Edition Artwork Obey Pop Culture Artist.
2021 Signed by Shepard Fairey- OBEY & Numbered Limited Edition of 150 Artwork Size 18x24 Sedation in Bloom Silkscreen Print Series.
"I originally worked on this poppy pattern art as part of my collaboration with artist Gordon Cheung. In our piece, we addressed the tragic murder of Vincent Chin and the historical use of anti-Asian imagery and symbols in Western culture. The poppy is a beautiful flower with many symbolic interpretations, including peace, death, sleep, and sedation. I often weave floral and decorative patterns into my art to draw viewers in and make challenging concepts more digestible. However, decorative appeal can sedate people and distract them from more important social issues. Whether in entertainment, alcohol, drugs, or conspicuous consumption, I think sedation is a major cause of social and political complacency and ignorance. These Sedation In Bloom prints serve the dual purpose of a decorative escape and a reminder to stay awake and aware!" -Shepard Fairey- OBEY.
Sedation in Bloom: A Visual Dialogue on Complacency by Shepard Fairey
Shepard Fairey, an American contemporary street artist, graphic designer, activist, illustrator, and founder of OBEY Clothing, has long been at the forefront of the street pop art movement. Born on February 15, 1970, Fairey rose to prominence with his "Andre the Giant Has a Posse" sticker campaign, which evolved into the iconic "OBEY" artwork. His work is characterized by its provocative socio-political commentary, rooted deeply in graffiti artwork and public engagement tradition. Fairey remains a living contributor to the art world, based in Los Angeles, California, where he continues to shape the dialogue around street pop art. In 2021, Shepard Fairey introduced the "Sedation in Bloom" silkscreen print series, a limited edition of 150, each piece signed and numbered by the artist himself. This particular artwork is distinguished by its striking black and cream color scheme, pulling viewers into a floral tableau that is aesthetically pleasing and meaningful. The cream speckletone fine art paper provides a delicate backdrop to the bold linework and intricate patterns that define the piece. Measuring 18x24 inches, these prints are a testament to Fairey's craftsmanship in screen printing, a technique he has mastered over decades of practice.
The Symbolism Behind Sedation in Bloom
"Sedation in Bloom" is more than just a visual indulgence. It carries a profound narrative that Fairey has woven into its fabric, speaking to historical and contemporary issues. The use of poppies in this artwork is particularly significant. Poppies are often associated with remembrance and the aftermath of conflict, but they symbolize sleep, peace, and even death. In Fairey's hands, these flowers represent the dual-edged sword of beauty and distraction, a motif that captures the artist's concerns about societal complacency. His collaboration partly inspired Fairey's work on this print with British-Chinese artist Gordon Cheung. Together, they addressed the murder of Vincent Chin and explored the theme of anti-Asian sentiment in Western culture. By integrating these flowers into his art, Fairey invites onlookers to engage with more than what meets the eye. It's a call to peel back the layers of beauty to reveal underlying societal issues that often go unaddressed due to the sedative effects of entertainment, consumerism, and other forms of distraction that lull societies into passivity.
Impact on Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork
Fairey's impact on street pop art and graffiti artwork is immense. His pieces often bridge the gap between art and activism, challenging viewers to consider their role within a greater socio-political context. "Sedation in Bloom" is a decorative piece that belies a more profound, more turbulent message of awareness and action. It prompts a reflection on how sedation, in its many forms, leads to political complacency and social ignorance. In street art, which thrives on visibility and accessibility, Fairey's work stands out for its ability to command attention and provoke thought in the public domain. This particular print is a testament to the enduring power of street pop art to comment on and influence contemporary culture. The limited-edition nature of the print, along with its hand-pulled creation, adds to its allure, ensuring that each piece is unique and holds its value as both a collectible and a conversation starter. Shepard Fairey's dedication to his craft and message reinforces street art's significance as a platform for dissent, dialogue, and change. "Sedation in Bloom" by Shepard Fairey is a compelling entry into the artist's oeuvre. It encapsulates the essence of Fairey's vision for street pop art and graffiti artwork, which continue to challenge the boundaries between high art and low art, between the gallery and the street. With this piece, Fairey captures the beauty inherent in the world around us and the responsibility we hold to remain conscious and questioning within it. Through his work, Fairey asserts that art is not merely for contemplation but is a tool for awakening.
