Artwork Description
Blondie on Bowery Large Format Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY 3-Color Silkscreen Hand-Pulled Screen on 320gsm Coventry Rag Paper Mural Pop Street Artwork.
2021 Signed & Numbered Limited Edition of 199 Artwork Size 42x28.75
Shepard Fairey's "Blondie on Bowery" is a striking example of Street Pop Art, capturing the intersection of music and urban visual culture. This large-format silkscreen print is part of a limited edition series, with only 199 signed and numbered prints available. It is a rare collectible for art enthusiasts and fans of the punk rock era. The artwork measures 42 by 28.75 inches, allowing bold graphic qualities and intricate details to command attention and engage viewers. Crafted in 2021, the print pays homage to the iconic punk band Blondie and their connection to the legendary music venue CBGB in New York City. Fairey, known globally for his OBEY campaign and his iconic Barack Obama "Hope" poster, brings his distinctive style to this piece, merging graffiti artwork's aesthetic with pop art's polished finish. The work is screen-printed on 320gsm Coventry Rag Paper, a high-quality substrate that ensures the print's depth of color and durability. The paper's hand-deckled edges add to the bespoke nature of each print, emphasizing the hands-on, street-level ethos of Fairey's artistry. This particular piece reflects a historical moment, channeling the spirit of rebellion and innovation that defined the Bowery's music scene in the 1970s and 1980s. Fairey's choice of subject matter and his stylized portrayal of Debbie Harry, Blondie's frontwoman, underscore the lasting influence of the band and the punk movement. The inclusion of song titles like "Rapture" and "Atomic" in the print's design directly links to Blondie's legacy. At the same time, the motifs and typography are reminiscent of the era's concert posters and album covers. "Blondie on Bowery" was printed by Gary Lichtenstein Editions and published by WCC Editions. The collaborative nature of the piece, with its roots in street art and formal screen printing techniques, showcases Fairey's ability to navigate different artistic realms. Each print is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, assuring its provenance and authenticity within the art market. The mural from which this print takes inspiration was created by Fairey in 2017, further cementing the relationship between his street-level murals and gallery-oriented prints. The transition from a public mural to a limited edition print allows the artwork to be appreciated in personal collections while retaining the raw, expressive quality of street art. Shepard Fairey's work, particularly "Blondie on Bowery," embodies street pop art's rebellious heart and soul, serving as a physical manifestation of the music, fashion, and attitudes that continue to influence contemporary culture.