Artwork Description
No Bees No Honey Color Hand-Pulled Limited Edition Silkscreen Print on Cream Speckle Tone Paper by Shepard Fairey Rare Street Art OBEY Pop Artwork Artist.
2022 Signed & Numbered Limited Edition of 325 Artwork Size 18x24 Gold Metallic Ink
"The Clash are my all-time favorite band and their frontman, Joe Strummer, is a hero of mine for his music, lyrics, wit, compassion for the underdog, and stance against injustice. To celebrate the release of JOE STRUMMER 002 and in honor of Joe’s 70th birthday, a limited edition print inspired by the Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros song, JOHNNY APPLESEED. Joe’s lyric “If you’re after getting the honey, then you don’t go killing all the bees” applies to lots of things, like mistreating factory workers, but for me the idea that bees are pollinators who are crucial to sustaining Earth’s fragile eco-systems is a powerful idea. I hope to honor Joe’s music and extend his ideas with my No Bees No Honey print. A portion of proceeds will go to the Joe Strummer Foundation." -Shepard Fairey
The intersection of street art, pop art, and graffiti has often found its voice through artists who transcend the confines of traditional media to bring forth powerful messages. One such eminent figure in this realm is Shepard Fairey, known widely for his iconic designs and thought-provoking artistry. His piece, "No Bees No Honey," is a color hand-pulled limited edition silkscreen print that stands as a testament to Fairey's artistic prowess and his ability to interweave poignant messages with his art. Created on cream speckle tone paper, the print embodies a vibrant play of colors and is accentuated by gold metallic ink that gives it a unique touch. The allure of this piece, however, isn't just its visual appeal but also its rarity. With only 325 signed and numbered pieces available, it stands as a collector's item and a beacon of Fairey's dedication to his craft. Sized at 18x24, the artwork captures attention with its intricate details and the symbolic imagery it presents. What elevates this piece from merely being a work of art to a profound statement is the backstory that inspired it. The artwork draws its essence from the legacy of Joe Strummer, frontman of "The Clash" and a stalwart figure revered by Fairey. Strummer's dedication to justice, his compassion for the marginalized, and his undying spirit resonate deeply with Fairey, making him a consistent source of inspiration. The inception of "No Bees No Honey" can be traced back to a song by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros titled "JOHNNY APPLESEED." A line from this song, "If you’re after getting the honey, then you don’t go killing all the bees," serves as the driving philosophy behind Fairey's artwork. At a glance, this lyric speaks volumes about sustainability and the delicate balance of nature. By delving deeper, one recognizes its applicability to a myriad of societal issues, ranging from the exploitation of factory workers to the broader challenges faced by our ecosystem. The role of bees as indispensable pollinators, ensuring the continuation of life on Earth, is cleverly juxtaposed with Strummer's lyrics, creating an artwork that's as profound in its message as it is stunning in its design. Fairey's commitment to social causes and his admiration for Strummer converge in "No Bees No Honey," but they also manifest in tangible contributions. A part of the proceeds from this artwork is dedicated to the Joe Strummer Foundation, thereby furthering the cause and ensuring that art acts as a vehicle for positive change. In the world of contemporary art, pieces like "No Bees No Honey" remind us of the transformative power of creativity. Shepard Fairey's art is not just an aesthetic pleasure; it's a call to introspection, an invitation to ponder deeper societal issues, and a celebration of the indomitable spirit of figures like Joe Strummer.
