About the artwork
Created in 2008, What Is the Cost of Oil? is a powerful screenprint by Shepard Fairey that reflects the artist's long-standing engagement with political, environmental and social issues. Using his signature propaganda-inspired visual language, Fairey questions the hidden consequences of oil dependency and consumer culture through a striking composition featuring a large SUV, patriotic imagery and the provocative title. The work exemplifies the artist's ability to combine bold graphic design with social commentary, transforming a contemporary issue into an immediately recognizable and thought-provoking image.
Expert opinion
This print is a strong example of Shepard Fairey's activist practice, in which art becomes a vehicle for public debate and political reflection. Produced during a period when environmental concerns and energy policies were increasingly at the center of global discussions, the work remains remarkably relevant today. Collectors particularly appreciate this type of Fairey print because it combines the artist's iconic aesthetic with a clear social message. With its bold red, black and cream palette, powerful composition and limited edition of 400, What Is the Cost of Oil? represents an important example of the politically engaged work that has made Shepard Fairey one of the most influential figures in contemporary urban art.
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.
Additional info
Signed
Dated
OTHER ARTWORKS YOU MAY LIKE
Your Dynamic Snippet will be displayed here...
This message is displayed because you did not provide both a filter and a template to use.