"Art is not always meant to be decorative or soothing, in fact, it can create uncomfortable conversations and stimulate uncomfortable emotions."

Shepard Fairey (b. 1970, Charleston, South Carolina) is an influential American contemporary artist, graphic designer, and activist whose provocative street art and illustrations have transformed the landscape of urban art and political discourse. Best known for his "Obey Giant" campaign and the iconic "Hope" portrait of Barack Obama, Fairey has skillfully merged art, commercial design, and political messaging to become one of the most recognizable and impactful street artists in the world.

After studying at the Rhode Island School of Design, Fairey launched his career with his "Andre the Giant Has a Posse" sticker campaign in 1989, which evolved into the widely recognized "Obey Giant" phenomenon. This guerrilla street art project, inspired by situationist principles and the concept of phenomenology, established his distinctive visual style combining propaganda aesthetics, pop culture references, and bold graphic design.

Fairey's approach draws heavily from Soviet constructivism, Chinese communist propaganda, American advertising, and punk rock aesthetics. His adaptation of these visual languages into contemporary contexts has created a distinctive style that addresses issues of power, control, and resistance while remaining visually accessible to mainstream audiences.

Shepard Fairey, Obama Hope, Version 1, 2008, Mixed Media (Stencil, Silkscreen, and Collage) on Canvas 48 x 72 in. (121.92 x 182.88 cm) Art courtesy of Shepard Fairey