Artwork Description
Cost of Oil AP Artist Proof Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY Hand-Pulled 2-Color on Cream Speckletone Fine Art Paper Limited Edition Artwork Obey Pop Culture Artist.
AP Artist Proof 2008 Signed & Marked AP Limited Edition Artwork Size 18x24 Silkscreen Print.
The "Cost of Oil" silkscreen print by Shepard Fairey is a provocative piece that cuts to the heart of street pop art and graffiti artwork's capacity to confront and question socio-political issues. Released in 2008 as an artist proof (AP), this limited edition artwork is a visual exploration of the themes of energy consumption, environmental impact, and the geopolitical ramifications implicit in the pursuit of oil. Signed and marked as an AP by Fairey, the piece measures 18x24 inches and is printed on cream speckletone fine art paper. Known for his intelligent and critical approach to cultural commentary, Fairey's "Cost of Oil" embodies the essence of his street pop art practice. The artwork is anchored by the bold, declarative question, "What is the cost of oil?" which resonates against the backdrop of a commanding visual narrative. The image features a solitary figure, clad in a shirt emblazoned with "USA," filling up a Hummer's gas tank—a potent symbol of American consumption and the military-industrial complex. The radiant sunburst behind the figure and the dripping blood-red bottom underscores the dichotomy of light and darkness in the discourse around freedom and its costs. This 2-color hand-pulled print is a quintessential example of Fairey's work, aligning itself with the 'OBEY' campaign's goal to stimulate discussion and reflect on the pervasive propaganda in public spaces. The 'OBEY' motif has always sought to challenge observers to question the mechanisms and messages in their environment, and "Cost of Oil" extends this challenge to the global issue of oil dependency and its vast implications. As a piece of street pop art, the "Cost of Oil" is a catalyst for dialogue, pushing the boundaries of what art can communicate and how it can influence public thought. It's a stark reminder of the power of visual art as a means of activism and advocacy and of Fairey's enduring role in using his art to spotlight crucial issues. The print remains a relevant and stirring piece within the oeuvre of Fairey's work and the larger conversation about energy, environmentalism, and the actual price of consumption.
