Artwork Description
Creativity, Equity, Justice Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY Hand-Pulled on Cream Speckletone Fine Art Paper Limited Edition Artwork Obey Pop Culture Artist.
2019 Signed & Numbered Limited Edition of 450 Artwork Size 18x24 Silkscreen Print
"This print is a portrait of Anjel Newmann, Director of Programs and Youth Director of AS220 – a non-profit community arts organization based in downtown Providence with whom I’ve worked since the ’90s. AS220 is important to me because they have cultivated a creative community that continues to have a profoundly transformative impact on the city. I’m inspired by Anjel’s dedication to this organization, where she’s been a member since she was 13 years old, learning from a diverse set of communities and facilitating access to opportunities for young people across the city of Providence. Thank you Anjel and AS220 for all that you do for the people of Rhode Island!" -Shepard Fairey- OBEY
In the vibrant intersection where art meets activism, Shepard Fairey’s silkscreen print stands as a testament to the power of creative expression as a tool for social change. Released in 2019, this limited edition piece, signed and numbered with a run of 450, encapsulates Fairey’s longstanding commitment to community engagement through art. The 18x24 artwork, hand-pulled on Cream Speckletone fine art paper, is not only a visual treat but a beacon of inspiration, embodying the themes of creativity, equity, and justice. At the heart of this print is a portrait of Anjel Newmann, a figure who represents the enduring impact of AS220, a non-profit community arts organization in Providence, Rhode Island. Newmann's involvement with AS220 began at the tender age of 13, and her journey to becoming the Director of Programs and Youth Director showcases the nurturing power of such institutions in cultivating artistic talent and leadership among the youth. Fairey, having collaborated with AS220 since the 1990s, celebrates not only the individual journey of Newmann but also the broader ethos of the organization. AS220’s pivotal role in fostering an inclusive arts community and providing a platform for marginalized voices is central to Fairey's narrative. The artwork itself is a visual confluence of Fairey's signature style with poignant messaging. Words like "Creativity," "Equity," and "Justice" are prominently featured, aligning with the larger message that Fairey perpetuates through his work—art as a mechanism for societal upliftment and personal liberation. His use of bold, contrasting colors and geometric patterns draws the eye, compelling the viewer to contemplate the interconnectedness of the artistic elements with the profound themes presented. Fairey’s choice of Anjel Newmann as the subject speaks volumes about the role models that inspire his work. By highlighting Newmann's dedication to AS220, Fairey not only honors her and the organization but also emphasizes the importance of creative communities in driving positive social change. This print transcends its aesthetic appeal, standing as a symbol of hope and a call to action, urging viewers to rise above challenges and contribute to the collective journey towards a just society. It is a celebration of Fairey’s enduring relationship with AS220 and his unwavering belief in art as a catalyst for progress.
