Artwork Description
Danger No Smoking AP Artist Proof Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY Hand-Pulled on Cream Speckletone Fine Art Paper Limited Edition Artwork Obey Pop Culture Artist.
AP Artist Proof 2016 Signed & Marked AP Artwork Size 18x24 Silkscreen Print—vintage Style Lead Fual Gas Pump with Danger No Smoking Sign.
"This Danger No Smoking print is inspired by a screen print I made in 1990, which was the very first image I made addressing the environmental and health hazards of gasoline. I took this photograph in Providence, RI at the edge of a desolate graveyard, which probably intensified my interpretation of the peeling paint on the gas pump as a skull. I decided the symbolism provided by natural erosion was powerful enough to make the photo worthy of turning into a print. I always liked this image, and I rediscovered it while looking for images to include in a book surveying my entire history of environmentally themed art." -Shepard Fairey- OBEY
Shepard Fairey's "Danger No Smoking AP" is an arresting silkscreen print that fuses the gritty aesthetic of street art with the polished finesse of fine art printmaking. Hand-pulled and consisting of five colors on Cream Speckletone fine art paper, this artwork is part of a limited edition series that showcases Fairey's unique ability to embed powerful social commentary within his art. As an artist proof from 2016, this piece is both signed and marked AP, denoting its status as a work that precedes the official production run and is often kept by the artist for personal archives or sale. This print presents a vintage-style lead fuel gas pump decorated with a "Danger No Smoking" sign—a visual that evokes the retro Americana while simultaneously commenting on contemporary environmental and health concerns. By featuring the warning signs that often accompany hazardous substances, Fairey points to the broader issues of industrial risks and public safety. This theme resonates with the essence of pop art, where mundane commercial imagery is repurposed to make a statement, and it aligns with the spirit of street and graffiti art's focus on message-driven visuals. The artwork's size, 18x24 inches, is significant as it allows the viewer to fully engage with the detailed work, including the intricate patterns that add a layer of complexity to the straightforward cautionary symbols. Fairey's work is recognized for its commanding presence, often utilizing bold lines and stark contrasts to draw attention to the subjects he depicts. In this print, the stark warning signage contrasts with the ornamental background, creating a juxtaposition that is visually stimulating and thought-provoking. Fairey’s “Danger No Smoking AP” print is a testament to his commitment to social engagement through art. It holds a mirror to society's paradoxes, reflecting the often overlooked dangers lurking behind the glossy veneer of consumerist culture. This print, rich in symbolism and executed with the artist's signature style, is a powerful addition to the discourse on pop culture, environmentalism, and the transformative power of street art.
