Artwork Description
Just Future Rising 4-Color Hand-Pulled Limited Edition Silkscreen Print on Fine Speckletone Art Paper by Shepard Fairey Rare Street Art OBEY Pop Artwork Artist.
2021 Signed & Numbered, Just Future Rising 18 inches by 24 inches Edition of 450 June 23, 2021
"I created for the Time “VOTE” cover just before the 2020 election. At the time, I wanted to address the very unique situation we were in as a country as we faced the Covid-19 pandemic, unrest around police brutality and racial discrimination, voter suppression, and intense political division. We are still facing all of those things, though the development of Covid vaccines has significantly improved public safety and benefitted the fight to end the pandemic. In this illustration, the usually clear-cut rebel symbol of a bandana covering a face takes on a different meaning during Covid, becoming an emblem of safety, respect for one’s fellow citizens, and a sign that the wearer believes in science." -Shepard Fairey
The "Just Future Rising" is a striking silkscreen print by Shepard Fairey, an artist renowned for his profound impact on street and pop art through the OBEY series. This limited edition artwork, measuring 18 by 24 inches, was released on June 23, 2021, in a numbered series of 450 pieces. Each print is hand-pulled, utilizing four colors on fine speckle tone paper, highlighting Fairey's signature style that merges art with social commentary. This piece is an extension of his engagement with contemporary issues, as it initially accompanied the Time magazine “VOTE” cover crafted in the lead-up to the 2020 election. Fairey's work consistently echoes themes of political activism and cultural critique, and "Just Future Rising" is a vivid representation of that ethos. The image reflects the turbulent climate of its creation: a nation grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, societal upheaval stemming from racial injustice, the challenges to democracy through voter suppression, and deep-seated political polarization. In this print, the image of a woman with a bandana covering her face symbolizes a multifaceted narrative—transforming a traditional sign of rebellion into a symbol of safety and solidarity in the face of a public health crisis. The bandana, adorned with intricate patterns, carries a badge that reads "The Future is Unwritten," reinforcing the message that change is possible and the future is in the hands of the people. Fairey's choice to depict the bandana, a classic rebel icon, as a protective mask denotes a profound shift in cultural symbols due to the pandemic. It reflects a respect for science and an acknowledgment of the collective effort required to navigate the crisis. The artwork transcends mere aesthetics, embodying the message that caring for one's community and being considerate of public health are now acts of rebellion in their own right. This resonates deeply with the artist's long-standing commitment to using his craft to support social and political change. In the portfolio of Shepard Fairey's creations, "Just Future Rising" is not just a piece of pop artwork; it is a cultural artifact born out of an era defined by upheaval and a call to action. It stands as a reminder of the power of art to influence discourse, inspire action, and reflect the complexities of the human experience in times of adversity.
