Shepard Fairey is an American contemporary street artist, graphic designer, and activist who gained widespread recognition for his iconic poster of Barack Obama during the 2008 US presidential campaign. Born in Charleston, South Carolina in 1970, Fairey grew up in a skateboarding subculture that heavily influenced his art.
Fairey attended the Rhode Island School of Design, where he obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1992. While in college, he began creating his own t-shirt designs and stickers, which he later sold on the streets of Providence, Rhode Island. In 1989, he created his first street art campaign, the now-infamous "Andre the Giant Has a Posse," featuring a black-and-white stencil of the French wrestler.
Fairey's art style combines elements of street art, pop art, and propaganda. His work often features bold colors, repeated images, and text, which he uses to convey a message or idea. Fairey's art can be found on posters, billboards, stickers, and clothing, among other mediums.
One of Fairey's most recognizable works is the "HOPE" poster, which he created during Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2008. The poster features a stylized portrait of Obama with the word "HOPE" in bold letters underneath. The poster became an instant icon and has been replicated and parodied countless times.
Fairey's art has also been the subject of controversy. In 2009, he was sued by the Associated Press for using one of their photographs of Obama as the basis for his "HOPE" poster without permission. Fairey admitted to lying about the source of the photograph and settled the case out of court.
In addition to his art, Fairey is also an activist and has been involved in various political and social causes throughout his career. He is a supporter of progressive politics and has created art in support of causes such as the environment, anti-war efforts, and workers' rights.
Fairey has exhibited his art in galleries around the world, including the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. In 2014, he created a mural in honor of Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Shepard Fairey's art has had a significant impact on contemporary art and culture. His iconic images have become a symbol of social and political change, and his style has influenced a new generation of artists. Fairey's work is a testament to the power of art to inspire and motivate people to take action and create change in the world.
