Protect Biodiversity (HPM on Wood) , 2021

Protect Biodiversity (HPM on Wood), 2021 by Shepard Fairey exemplifies the artist’s commitment to environmental activism through his distinctive style of politically charged art. Known for his iconic Obey series and the famous Hopeposter for Barack Obama, Fairey continues to blend street art aesthetics with fine art, creating works that provoke thought and inspire change.

This piece, part of a series focused on raising awareness about environmental issues, features a striking image of wildlife and vegetation framed within Fairey’s signature graphic style. Protect Biodiversity advocates for the preservation of ecosystems, using bold typography and powerful imagery to emphasize the urgency of the message. The piece is executed on wood, a medium Fairey frequently uses for his fine art editions. His use of wood brings a tactile, natural element to the work, reinforcing the theme of environmental protection.

The term HPM, or Hand-Painted Multiple, refers to a unique edition in which Fairey combines traditional printmaking techniques with hand-painted elements. Each HPM is slightly different, giving collectors a unique version of the work while still being part of a limited edition. Fairey’s use of HPMs on wood showcases his ability to merge the reproducibility of printmaking with the uniqueness of hand-painting, elevating these works to the level of fine art.

This museum-quality work highlights Shepard Fairey’s ongoing influence in contemporary art, where his fine art pieces continue to address critical social and environmental issues. Protect Biodiversity (HPM on Wood) serves as both a visual statement and a call to action, making it a powerful addition to any collection.