Artwork Description
New Wave Couple AP Dance Floor Riot Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY Artist Proof Hand-Pulled 1-Color Screen Print on Fine Art Paper Limited Edition Graffiti Pop Street Artwork.
AP Artist Proof 2011 Signed & AP Marked Limited Edition Artwork Size 13x13
"Long before I knew about art galleries or even street art, I was excited about album cover art, if only because it was the visual counterpart to the music on the records I loved. Album covers conjured a euphoric association with the listening experience. Most of my earliest home-made tee shirts were stencils based on punk album covers… No matter how much I love art, or try to convince myself of its relevance in society, the fact remains that music is a lot cooler and way more able to reach people’s hearts and minds… but I’m a populist and I look at it this way: I may not play an instrument, but I’m gonna rock it hard as nails anyway. With my art I try to capture the same energy and spirit that makes music so powerful and democratic. REVOLUTIONS is a celebration of all the great music and accompanying art that has inspired me over the years." -Shepard Fairey
New Wave Couple AP by Shepard Fairey: A Visual Tribute to Music and Street Pop Art
The New Wave Couple Artist Proof silkscreen print by Shepard Fairey is a striking homage to the fusion of music, fashion, and cultural movements. Released in 2011, this limited-edition print measures 13 by 13 inches and is hand-pulled using a one-color silkscreen process. Signed and marked as an Artist Proof, the artwork is a rare collector’s piece that encapsulates Fairey’s talent for blending the bold aesthetics of Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork with the dynamic energy of musical subcultures.
The design features a sharply dressed couple in mod-inspired attire, exuding the confidence and style synonymous with the new wave music era. Their checkerboard outfits and bold stances convey a sense of rhythm and rebellion, complemented by flowing musical notes that connect the figures to the larger composition. The intricate border design, combined with clean, graphic lines, creates a visually dynamic piece that pays tribute to the era's vibrant and innovative spirit. This print, part of Fairey’s Revolutions series, celebrates the cultural impact of music and its visual storytelling power.
Music as a Muse in Street Pop Art
Shepard Fairey has long credited music as a central influence in his work, with album covers and punk aesthetics shaping his early artistic identity. New Wave Couple captures the essence of the new wave movement, which emerged as a fresh, stylish offshoot of punk music. The sleek, checkerboard visuals and emphasis on individuality in this piece echo the movement's emphasis on self-expression and creative freedom. Fairey uses these cultural elements to craft a narrative that resonates with fans of music and art alike.
The monochromatic palette and bold design evoke the aesthetics of vintage album art, aligning with Fairey’s aim to create visual counterparts to the energy and emotion of music. The print reflects the interplay between sound and style, demonstrating how music can influence fashion, art, and cultural identity. By combining these elements, Fairey crafts a piece that captures the spirit of an era while grounding it in the contemporary visual language of Street Pop Art.
The Silkscreen Process and Artistic Precision
The silkscreen printing process used for New Wave Couple exemplifies Shepard Fairey’s commitment to craftsmanship. Hand-pulled on fine art paper, the print achieves a high level of detail and clarity. The one-color design emphasizes contrast and precision, allowing the intricate patterns and bold imagery to take center stage. The texture of the fine art paper adds a tactile quality to the piece, enhancing its appeal as both a visual and physical work of art.
The Artist Proof designation signifies the print’s unique status within the limited edition, often representing the most refined and personal iteration of the design. This rarity makes it a highly sought-after piece for collectors and fans of Fairey’s work. The silkscreen medium aligns with Fairey’s roots in graffiti art, where stenciling and printing techniques are integral to the DIY ethos of the movement.
Shepard Fairey: Champion of Music-Inspired Art
Shepard Fairey, a pioneer in Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork, has built a career on blending bold visual statements with cultural commentary. His Revolutions series, which includes New Wave Couple, reflects his passion for music and its transformative power. Fairey’s ability to translate the energy of music into striking visual compositions has made him a leading figure in contemporary art.
New Wave Couple stands as a testament to Fairey’s talent for capturing the essence of musical and cultural movements. By blending nostalgic imagery with modern graphic design, he creates a work that celebrates the interconnectedness of art and music. This print is more than a visual representation; it is a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the enduring influence of new wave culture on art and society.
