A revealing collection of quotations from the world-renowned artist and political activist behind the iconic Obama Hope poster and the Obey Giant street-art campaign
Shepard Fairey is one of todays most important and influential street artists, activists, and graphic designers. His instantly recognizable designsAndré the Giant has a Posse, Obey Giant, the Obama Hope poster, and the We the People posters for the 2017 Womens Marchhave become an indelible part of visual culture, appearing in countless media, including stickers, stencils, prints, T-shirts, album covers, murals, and fine art. Fairey-isms is a compelling collection of quotations from this fascinating artist. Gathered from interviews, articles, and other sources, these quotations offer rich insights about his life and work, including his thoughts on art, creativity, politics, and propaganda and his reflections on his influencesfrom skateboarding, The Clash, and Public Enemy to Russian Constructivism and artists such as Futura, Barbara Kruger, and Andy Warhol.
I use the word Obey in much of my art as a form of reverse psychology. Though most people wish they were independent, many obediently follow the path of least resistance and are uncomfortable with confronting the word Obey. Any message thats worth delivering can be amplified with art. I called my work propaganda out of an understanding that theres an irony, because every piece of visual communication has an agenda. Any of it could be called propaganda. Repetition works.
