Shepard Fairey
"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
→ Prominent Collections
Fairey's work is held in the permanent collections of prestigious institutions including the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, Museum of Modern Art (New York), Victoria and Albert Museum (London), Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
→ Studio Practice
While street art remains at the core of his identity, Fairey has expanded his practice to encompass fine art prints, paintings, commercial design, public murals, and installations. His studio work often features meticulous collage elements, intricate stencil work, and his signature red, black, and cream color palette.
Fairey founded Studio Number One, a creative design agency that has produced commercial work for clients including Pepsi, Adidas, and Universal Pictures. His clothing line OBEY Clothing has successfully translated his artistic vision into streetwear fashion. Despite these commercial ventures, Fairey continues to create politically charged public works, maintaining his position as both a successful commercial artist and a politically engaged street artist.
While Supplies Last - Mural in Dallas Texas, 2022
Photo by Jonathan Furlong & Obey, LLC→ Market Significance
In the secondary market, Shepard Fairey has established himself as one of the most commercially successful street artists, alongside figures like Banksy and KAWS. His limited-edition prints regularly sell out within minutes of release, and his works have performed consistently at auction houses such as Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips.
The iconic "Hope" poster created for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign has become one of the most recognizable political images in modern history and significantly increased the market value of Fairey's work. His pieces addressing social justice issues, environmental concerns, and political resistance have particular resonance with collectors who value both aesthetic quality and political engagement.
Fairey's appeal spans both dedicated street art collectors and traditional fine art patrons, with his limited-edition screen prints serving as an accessible entry point for new collectors while his large-scale paintings and unique works command premium prices in the fine art market. His consistent output, instantly recognizable aesthetic, and cultural relevance have established him as a blue-chip contemporary artist with enduring market value.
→ Past Exhibitions
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