Shepard Fairey
Shepard Fairey
Frank Shepard Faireyis an American contemporary street artist, graphic designer, activist, illustrator and founder of OBEY Clothing who emerged from the skateboarding scene. He first became known for his "Andre the Giant Has a Posse"sticker campaign while attending the Rhode Island School of Design, which appropriated images from the comedic supermarket tabloid Weekly World News...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionGraphic Designer
Date of Birth15 February 1970
CityCharleston, SC
CountryUnited States of America
I've met Obama a few times, and I think Obama's a quality human being, but I think that he finds himself in a position where your actions are largely dictated by things out of your control. I'm not giving him a pass for not being more courageous, but I do think the entire system needs an overhaul and taking money out of politics would be a really good first step.
A lot of people thought I got famous as a studio artist, then decided to cash in on it. But it actually was just a matter of survival for many years, and I felt it was really important for me to be able to say whatever I wanted with my street art and fine art.
I want to be proud of this country [the USA], but when aspects of our policy don't align with my ethics, I want to protest them and try to change them. Being complicit because it's the home team is nationalism, not patriotism.
As a street artist, I'm used to sharing my stuff with the public. It's a communal experience. I've learned not to be so precious, but rather to enjoy the process.
Every spoof gives more power to the original.
The great thing about the Internet is, it has made it easier for people who are clever and resourceful to promote themselves.
If being original means having to throw paint in front of a jet turbine to hit a canvas 50 ft away then lets not be original.
I think the idea of freedom or liberty is really misused for political reasons, but it's something that resonates with people to the core. People want to be masters of their own destinies, but at the same time, I think they do so selectively. Sometimes they want to be told exactly what to do so they don't have to think for themselves - as long as they can still exercise their free will.
I've never had an original thought in my lifeand there's tons of people on the internet happy to tell me just that.
Why is non-commercial public expression considered criminal?
I've never really considered myself just a street artist. I consider myself a populist.
The way I make art, the way a lot of people make art, is as an extension of language and communication, where references are incredibly important.
I'm mischievous. The idea of taking risks and having real-world consequences energizes me.
The sticker has no meaning but exists only to cause people to react, to contemplate and search for meaning in the sticker,