Artwork Description
Let There Be Dark Red Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY x Niagara Hand-Pulled 3-Color on 320gsm Natural Coventry Rag Vellum Fine Art Paper Limited Edition Artwork Obey Pop Culture Artist.
2019 Signed & Numbered Limited Edition of 150 Artwork Size 24x18 Silkscreen Print
"I chose an image of Ron and Niagara where I think they both look amazing, but there was a nice balance between in-your-face aggression with Ron's pose making eye contact, holding his fist up, and Niagara's seemingly demure embrace of Ron, but anyone who knows Niagara understands that though she may look sedate, she's pulling the strings. I added a switchblade that she is caressing with her finger, as a way to amplify her femme fatale chic, and because I thought it lent itself to my original idea of a title 'Bonnie & Clyde Were Lightweights'" -Shepard Fairey- OBEY
Exploring the Bold Realms of "Let There Be Dark" by Shepard Fairey: A Street Pop Art Icon
Shepard Fairey's "Let There Be Dark Red Silkscreen Print" is a striking embodiment of the symbiotic relationship between street pop art and contemporary visual culture. This limited edition piece, created in collaboration with Niagara, is a visual narrative encapsulating the energy and subversive undercurrents that course through this artistic movement. As a hand-pulled 3-color print on 320gsm Natural Coventry Rag Vellum fine art paper, it stands as a testament to Fairey's mastery over the medium and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of street art into the delicate art sphere. Produced in 2019, the artwork is part of a highly exclusive series, with only 150 signed and numbered editions available. The dimensions of the artwork, 24x18 inches, are significant not only for their visual impact but also for their ability to draw the viewer into the confrontational yet poised dynamic that defines the composition. Fairey's choice of subjects, Ron and Niagara, is particularly telling; their depictions are rendered with a stark contrast of black, white, and a commanding red, highlighting their iconic stances and the charged atmosphere they embody. Fairey's narrative intention behind "Let There Be Dark" is as compelling as the visual force of the artwork. In his words, he captures the essence of Ron and Niagara's personas, juxtaposing Ron's aggressive frontality with Niagara's seemingly delicate yet cunning disposition. The addition of a switchblade subtly caressed by Niagara adds a layer of danger and a nod to the femme fatale archetype. This imagery is not merely decorative; it is a deliberate act to challenge and subvert the viewer's expectations, a hallmark of Fairey's style that has cemented his place in street pop art and graffiti artwork. The title, "Let There Be Dark," invites interpretation, playing on the biblical phrase "Let there be light," suggesting a reversal or an embrace of shadow and complexity over simplicity and illumination. This reversal is symbolic of the more significant cultural critique often found in Fairey's work, where the binaries of good and evil, light and dark, are not just questioned but also deconstructed. Beyond the visual and thematic layers, the print's collectibility is further enhanced by its fine art attributes. The use of Coventry Rag Vellum fine art paper, known for its durability and smooth texture, ensures that the colors' vibrancy and the lines' precision remain intact over time. The paper choice reflects Fairey's nuanced understanding of materials and their role in elevating street art to OK art status. Shepard Fairey's "Let There Be Dark Red Silkscreen Print" is an authentic representation of the spirit of street pop art. It bridges the gap between street art's raw expressiveness and silkscreen printing's calculated precision. With its limited edition status and the artist's signature, the print is not just a piece of art; it is a cultural artifact that captures the pulse of contemporary society and the ongoing dialogue between street art and the mainstream art world. It is a vivid example of how street pop art continues to shape and influence our visual language and cultural conversations.
