Artwork Description
Obey Long Playing 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
Obey Long Playing AP by Shepard Fairey: A Fusion of Music and Street Pop Art
The Obey Long Playing Artist Proof silkscreen print by Shepard Fairey is a striking homage to the enduring influence of music on visual culture. Created in 2011, this limited-edition Artist Proof measures 13 by 13 inches and is hand-pulled as a one-color screen print on fine art paper. Signed and marked as an Artist Proof by Fairey, the print is a part of his Revolutions series, which celebrates the intersection of music and art. Through its bold, monochromatic design, this artwork captures the timeless appeal of vinyl records and the cultural legacy they represent.
The design prominently features a stylized vinyl record encased in a decorative frame with ornate flourishes. The bold typography reading Obey Long Playing Records evokes the aesthetic of vintage album covers, blending nostalgia with Fairey’s contemporary Street Pop Art sensibilities. The intricate detailing in the border contrasts with the minimalist central image, creating a composition that is both visually dynamic and conceptually rich. This piece reflects Fairey’s deep connection to music as a driving force in his art, highlighting the shared energy and accessibility of music and street art.
Music as a Visual and Cultural Inspiration
Shepard Fairey’s connection to music runs deep, influencing much of his work, including Obey Long Playing. Growing up immersed in the punk rock scene, Fairey drew inspiration from the DIY ethos and rebellious spirit of the music. This influence is evident in his bold graphics and use of stencils, techniques rooted in the graffiti art tradition. In this piece, Fairey channels the energy and democracy of music into a visual form, celebrating its ability to unite people and transcend boundaries.
The vinyl record featured in the design symbolizes a golden era of music, where physical albums and cover art played a crucial role in defining an artist’s identity. Fairey’s choice to emphasize this cultural artifact speaks to his admiration for the tangible connection between music and its audience. The print serves as a tribute to the artistry of album design and its ability to evoke powerful emotions, much like the music it represents.
The Craft of Silkscreen Printing
Obey Long Playing is a testament to Shepard Fairey’s mastery of the silkscreen printing process. Each print is meticulously hand-pulled, ensuring a high level of precision and quality. The one-color design allows for bold contrasts and sharp details, highlighting the intricacies of the decorative border and the clean lines of the central typography. Printed on fine art paper, the piece has a refined finish that enhances its visual impact and durability.
The Artist Proof designation adds an element of rarity and exclusivity to this work, often representing the initial versions of a print used to refine the design. Fairey’s dedication to the silkscreen medium reflects his commitment to the traditions of graffiti and street art, where stenciling and hand-printing are integral to the art form. This choice of medium further emphasizes the tactile and authentic qualities that define Fairey’s work.
Shepard Fairey: A Voice in Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork
Shepard Fairey, an American artist and activist, has become synonymous with Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork. Known for his iconic designs that blend cultural commentary with bold aesthetics, Fairey’s work often draws on his love of music, particularly punk and hip-hop. Obey Long Playing exemplifies this connection, serving as both a celebration of music’s cultural significance and a reflection of its influence on Fairey’s art.
Through his Revolutions series, Fairey explores the symbiotic relationship between music and visual art, creating works that resonate across generations. Obey Long Playing stands out as a powerful tribute to the legacy of vinyl records, blending nostalgia with modern artistic techniques. Fairey’s ability to capture the energy and spirit of music in visual form cements his place as a leading figure in contemporary Street Pop Art and Graffiti Artwork.
