About the artwork
This vertical composition presents a dense layering of graphic elements, rendered primarily in red, black, and cream tones. At its center, a stylized, mask-like face, outlined in thick black, emerges from a collage of fragmented imagery. The background consists of overlapping textures and forms resembling transit tickets, currency, and architectural blueprints, featuring various scripts including Japanese, Italian, and English. Specific details include what appears to be a Japanese metro map or ticket fragment with characters like "京都電鉄" (Kyoto Electric Railway) and "代田橋" (Daita-bashi), alongside phrases such as "Transports de Barcelona S.A." and Italian instructions for validating a ticket. The lower right quadrant depicts a silhouetted figure in a uniform, wearing a headpiece with a cross motif, with a target symbol overlaid on the torso. Below this, the word "OBEY" is prominently displayed in a distinctive stencil font, accompanied by "STATION" and "MINISTRY OF TRANSIT." The overall aesthetic combines elements of vintage propaganda posters, urban ephemera, and graphic design, creating a visual narrative that alludes to themes of control, public systems, and individual identity within a structured environment.
Expert opinion
Shepard Fairey's position within contemporary art is largely defined by his pioneering role in the Street Art movement and his successful transition into the gallery system. His work often engages with themes of power, consumerism, and political dissent, utilizing a visual language rooted in graphic design and propaganda art. This approach has allowed him to connect with a broad audience, from street art enthusiasts to established collectors. The market for his limited edition prints and hand-painted multiples, such as this example, reflects consistent demand. These works are sought after for their iconic imagery, technical execution, and their tangible connection to a globally recognized artist whose influence extends across art, design, and popular culture.
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.
““Propaganda has a bad reputation, which it partly deserves, but I think certain forms of propaganda are very positive. I think that if we can create something that catches people’s attention, they’ll probably want to learn more about us. ” – Shepard Fairey (OBEY) on his work”
Additional info
Signed
Proof of authenticity
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