About the artwork
Like a propaganda poster, this work navigates between figurative and literary elements. The upper section features a photographed building, while the lower stretches a text accompanied by a provocative slogan: "submit: wisely to new standards". Geometric figures forming a V run through the vibrant red print, recalling the patriotic victory sign recurrently used during the Second World War. This wartime context is accentuated by the text, which promotes an "elite program", evoking the totalitarian regimes of the 20th century. The building, which proudly bears the name Obey and is flanked by André's icon on either side of its majestic entrance, is no exception to this reference, whose imposing architecture is reminiscent of the Stalinist and Hitler periods. Indeed, Shepard Fairey seems directly inspired by the Nazi party's Zeppelinfeld tribune. By recreating this atmosphere, the artist offers us a poignant reflection on past totalitarian regimes, making the viewer aware of their insidious mechanisms and reminding us of the dangers inherent in their rise.
Expert opinion
This work, characteristic of the artist's plural struggles, bears witness to Shepard Fairey's political commitment, as he does not hesitate to reproduce a totalitarian propaganda poster to raise awareness of the fallacious mechanisms of these regimes.
About the artist
American artist, born in 1970. Lives and works in Los Angeles (USA). Muralist, illustrator and silkscreen artist, Shepard Fairey (Obey) is one of the most influential figures in urban art. Influenced by Andy Warhol, Barbara Kruger and Diego Rivera, he is best known for the HOPE portrait of Barack Obama he created for his presidential campaign in 2008, which has since been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery (Washington, USA). Following the attacks in France on November 13, 2015, Shepard Fairey created a Marianne with the motto "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité", a work that has now become a national symbol and is on display at the Élysée Palace. In 2019, he will create his hundredth fresco at Place Igor Stravinsky in Paris, next to the Centre Pompidou. Internationally renowned, Shepard Fairey can be found in the collections of the Smithsonian (Washington, USA), the Museum of Modern Art (New York, USA) and the Victoria and Albert Museum (London, UK). He has also exhibited in prestigious venues such as the Fondation Cartier for the "Né dans la rue - Graffiti" exhibition in 2009, and the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston (USA), where his retrospective "Supply & Demand" was organized in 2009.
“I think the text of this printout on the factory of conformity speaks for itself, but I would add that we all need to ask ourselves the following question: who are the masters of the factory of conformity, what is their agenda, and have we willingly or unwillingly agreed to play a part in their game while abandoning our own?”
Additional info
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