Artwork Description
Black & Red 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.
Shepard Fairey's Black & Red Sedation in Bloom: A Visual Manifesto
In the eclectic domain of street pop art and graffiti artwork, the Black & Red Sedation in Bloom silkscreen print by Shepard Fairey is a vivid testament to the genre's capacity for profound expression. This piece is part of a compelling series by Fairey, an artist named Frank Shepard Fairey, hailing from the United States of America. Known for his ability to stir the public conscience through his art, Fairey's work on this series was crafted in 2021, and it resonates with his signature blend of design and message.
Symbolism and Social Commentary in Fairey's Prints
The artwork, pulled by hand on cream speckletone fine art paper, features an inherently limited edition size, with only 150 pieces produced. Each print, measuring 18x24 inches, is meticulously signed and numbered by the artist, ensuring its exclusivity and connection to Fairey's artistic narrative. The stark contrast of red against black is not just visually arresting but symbolically charged, portraying poppies that traditionally symbolize peace and sleep but also carry darker associations with death and sedation. Fairey's artistic approach often includes weaving floral and decorative patterns to capture the viewer's attention, making the art's underlying messages more accessible and engaging. The seductive beauty of the poppies in this print is deliberate, drawing the viewer into a deeper conversation about the nature of distraction and sedation in modern society. Fairey suggests that such beauty can serve as a diversion from critical social issues, lulling the populace into complacency and fostering a culture of political inaction.
The Power of Street Pop Art in Public Discourse
Fairey's collaboration with artist Gordon Cheung on the concept behind this print series underlines their joint commitment to address grave issues such as the murder of Vincent Chin and the perpetuation of anti-Asian stereotypes. The Black & Red Sedation in Bloom print transcends its aesthetic component. It stands as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and awareness in a world too often dulled by the distractions of entertainment, substance abuse, and overconsumption. In Fairey's own words, this series serves a dual purpose: it is a channel for decorative immersion and a significant cue to remain conscious and critical of the world's narratives. His use of poppies amidst the lush decorative motifs provides a layered meaning, urging the audience to seek engagement with societal issues rather than retreating into the seductive calm that beauty can sometimes promise. Through this striking series, Fairey continues to showcase the influential role of street pop art as a medium for cultural critique and a rallying cry for collective awareness.
