Obey
Shepard Fairey, widely known as Obey, is a renowned contemporary street artist and graphic designer whose work combines bold visuals with powerful social and political messages. Born in 1970 in Charleston, South Carolina, Fairey rose to prominence in 1989 with his "André the Giant Has a Posse" campaign, featuring stickers and posters of the wrestler André the Giant. This project evolved into the iconic Obey Giant series, establishing Fairey as a key figure in the street art movement.
Fairey's art, characterized by propaganda-style imagery and a limited color palette, gained global recognition with his "HOPE" poster for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. The poster became a symbol of the campaign and cemented Fairey's place in both art and political history. Today, Fairey's works are exhibited in leading galleries worldwide, and his influence extends to fashion and pop culture through the Obey brand, making him a driving force in contemporary art and design.
Early Life and Education
Shepard Fairey, known professionally as Obey, was born in 1970 in Charleston, South Carolina. He developed an interest in art during his teenage years, leading him to pursue formal education at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he studied illustration and honed his skills in graphic design.
The "André the Giant Has a Posse" Campaign
In 1989, while still a student, Fairey initiated the "André the Giant Has a Posse" campaign. This involved creating and distributing stickers and posters featuring the wrestler André the Giant's face, accompanied by the word "OBEY." The campaign began as an inside joke among friends but quickly gained traction, becoming a widespread phenomenon and marking the inception of the Obey Giant project.
Artistic Style and Influences
Fairey's work is characterized by bold graphics, a limited color palette, and the incorporation of propaganda-style imagery. His designs often carry social and political messages, reflecting his influences from punk rock, skateboarding culture, and street art. This distinctive style has made his work instantly recognizable and impactful.
The "HOPE" Poster and Mainstream Recognition
In 2008, Fairey created the iconic "HOPE" poster for Barack Obama's presidential campaign. The stylized portrait of Obama became a symbol of the campaign and significantly elevated Fairey's profile in the art world. The poster is now part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Throughout his career, Fairey has continued to produce art that challenges social norms and addresses political issues. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in contemporary street art. Through the Obey brand, he has also ventured into fashion, further extending his influence on popular culture.
OBEY ORIGINAL ART FOR SALE ONLINE ON DEODATO.US
If you are interested in Obey art for sale, you can find original artworks online on our website. These artworks are hand-signed by the artist, provided with a certificate of authenticity.
If you are interested in knowing about the artworks by Obey for sale, the prices, and the market value of the artist, do not hesitate to contact us by sending an e-mail to us@deodato.us.