Artwork Description
Sub-Standard Silkscreen Print by Shepard Fairey- OBEY Hand-Pulled 5-Color on Cream Speckletone Fine Art Paper Limited Edition Artwork Obey Pop Culture Artist.
2023 Signed & Numbered Limited Edition of 550 Artwork Size 12x24 Silkscreen Print
"This print, “Sub-Standard,” is a comment on the relationship between corporate greed, fossil fuels, and the warming of the planet and collapsing ecosystems. Standard operating, pushed by players like Standard Oil and its many offshoots, should be redefined as sub-standard. If we want to maintain the standard of health our planet needs to avoid catastrophe, we can’t allow big oil to put profits before the planet and profits before people (as well as many other threatened species). Keep in mind that big oil, which is already very profitable, is subsidized by you, the taxpayer, for up to $50 billion per year. In contrast, renewable energy sources are subsidized for only a quarter of that amount. We need to push for change. A portion of proceeds from this print goes to Greenpeace USA‘s efforts to fight for a healthy planet." -Shepard Fairey- OBEY
The silkscreen print titled "Sub-Standard" by Shepard Fairey, part of his OBEY series, is a compelling piece of contemporary art that casts a critical eye on the pressing issue of environmental degradation as it relates to corporate influence and fossil fuel dependency. Limited to a release of 550 signed and numbered editions, the artwork is a bold statement in both form and substance, pulling together the aesthetics of pop, street, and graffiti art onto a cream speckletone fine art paper. Measuring 12x24 inches, each hand-pulled 5-color print stands as a testament to Fairey's technical skill and his commitment to social commentary. Shepard Fairey, a prominent figure in the world of pop culture and street art, uses his medium to challenge the status quo and incite thought about pressing global issues. "Sub-Standard" specifically targets the consequences of the fossil fuel industry's actions on climate change and ecological destruction. Fairey's reference to Standard Oil and its successors points to a legacy of environmental policy that prioritizes profit over the planet's health, indicating a dire need for change in corporate practices. The artwork employs powerful symbolism, with the juxtaposition of an industrial motif against a backdrop that signifies the natural world in distress, reflecting Fairey's narrative about the conflict between economic interests and environmental stewardship. A significant aspect of this artwork is its activism component. A portion of the proceeds from "Sub-Standard" is directed towards Greenpeace USA, funding the organization's efforts to combat environmental harm and promote sustainability. This financial support aligns with the artwork's message, creating a direct link between art, activism, and tangible support for ecological well-being. Fairey's choice to highlight the discrepancy between subsidies for fossil fuels and renewable energy sources in his statement further amplifies the print's call to action, advocating for a reevaluation of where public funds are invested in the context of long-term planetary health. In the landscape of modern art, "Sub-Standard" by Shepard Fairey stands out as a piece that not only captures the aesthetic edge of the OBEY art movement but also embodies a deep social and environmental consciousness, driving the conversation forward in the realm of art activism.
