Summary
Highlights
Shepard Fairey discusses his new exhibition, "Out of Print," currently at Beyond the Streets Gallery until January. The exhibition features over 420 prints from his 35-year career, representing the strongest works among the approximately 2000 prints he has created. It is the largest show of his screen prints in the United States. Attendees this weekend will receive a striking poster called "Fall of Freedom".
Fairey explains that his work consistently aims to pursue justice, question authority, and critique aspects of systems that lack a level playing field or quality of life. He sees art as a voice for citizens and strives to make his work accessible and democratic, engaging with various platforms from street art to galleries, clothing, and activist collaborations. His art crystallizes his ideas into images.
Fairey recounts the origin of his career, starting in 1989 with the "Andre the Giant Has a Posse" sticker. This seemingly silly sticker, displayed in unexpected places, prompted questions about who controls public messaging. This led to his pursuit of empowering marginalized voices through the Obey campaign, inspired by dystopian literature like "1984" and the film "They Live," which encourages people to question everything they encounter.
Fairey highlights that his work, including the Obey campaign, the 2008 Obama campaign, and the 2017 'The People Series' for the Women's March, consistently delivers a clear message. He aims to provoke thought and emotion, encouraging reflection on the ideal world. His art touches on environmental issues, equality, and abuse of authority. He is inspired by individuals who stand up for their beliefs with conviction and integrity, such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Gandhi, and Barack Obama, as well as visual artists who combine artistry with a strong point of view.
In an age dominated by social media and short attention spans, Fairey emphasizes the enduring resonance of physical prints. He argues that physical objects offer a tactile quality and a unique interplay of light on their surface, creating a more impactful experience than digital screens. He uses social media to direct attention to real-world installations like murals and street art, aiming to democratize his art and reach a broader audience while not allowing the tools to dictate the message or quality.