Artwork Description
Blue & Baby Blue 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.
The Visual Language of Vigilance: Shepard Fairey's Blue Hues
Shepard Fairey's Blue & Baby Blue Sedation in Bloom silkscreen print encapsulates the spirit of street pop art and graffiti artwork, blending a solid aesthetic appeal with a profound societal commentary. Fairey, an American contemporary street artist, emerged from the skateboarding scene and swiftly rose to prominence, etching his mark on the world with his distinct style and politically charged messages.
The Resonance of Poppies in Fairey's Artwork
The Sedation in Bloom series, with its vibrant shades of blue, reflects Fairey's deep engagement with the art form and the message it conveys. Each piece in this limited edition of 150 is hand-pulled on cream speckletone fine art paper, ensuring each print's unique quality and textural feel. The artwork's 18x24 inches dimensions offer a canvas generous enough for the intricate details and subtle interplays of color to manifest fully. In this series, the poppy serves as a symbol rich in contradictions. Representing peace, death, sleep, and sedation, these flowers are more than mere decorative elements; they comment on the multifaceted ways society engages with such concepts. Fairey draws viewers in by using floral and ornamental patterns, only to confront them with the artwork's more profound, more unsettling implications. The seductive qualities of the poppies are juxtaposed with the idea that such beauty can distract from pressing social issues, lulling the public into a state of complacency.
Fairey's Art as a Reminder to Remain Conscious
Fairey's collaboration with Gordon Cheung on this project extends beyond the canvas, delving into the tragic narrative of Vincent Chin's murder and the historical context of anti-Asian sentiment. Poppy pattern art originated from this collaborative effort, further emphasizing the potential of street pop art not only to depict but also to challenge and deconstruct historical and cultural narratives. The Blue & Baby Blue Sedation in Bloom prints are emblematic of Fairey's vision for his art - to serve as both a means of aesthetic escape and a potent reminder to remain alert and aware. Through this work, Fairey affirms his belief that sedation, whether through entertainment, substance abuse, or the allure of consumption, plays a significant role in fostering societal ignorance. In the serene beauty of the blue hues, there lies a call to awaken from the seductive lull and actively engage with the world's more challenging realities. Shepard Fairey's Blue & Baby Blue Sedation in Bloom stands not just as a testament to his artistic prowess but as a vivid illustration of the dual nature of art in street pop culture. It encapsulates the duality of sedation and vigilance, urging an appreciation of beauty while advocating for a conscious and engaged society. Through this series, Fairey continues to demonstrate the influential role of street pop art in sparking dialogue and inspiring a collective awakening to our time's social and political currents.
