About the artwork
This edition features a portrait of John Lewis with a determined gaze, surrounded by torn pieces of paper bearing militant slogans against segregation. At top left, a quotation from John Lewis, a figure of the American civil rights movement, calls for a vote and stands out against a red background. Opposite, against the same background, a leaflet conveys the same message. John Lewis is a major figure for the artist, who even calls him a hero for his social and political commitment. Having been the victim of police violence during marches for racial equality, of which he was also an organizer, John Lewis was elected to Congress and served as a legislator for 40 years. In this work, Shepard Fairey expresses his gratitude for a man whose struggle extended both inside and outside the political system. Once again, this work demonstrates Shepard Fairey's multi-faceted and repeated political commitment.
Expert opinion
This work, characteristic of the artist's social struggles, embodies a militancy in favor of change through voting to maintain equality.
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.
“There is no better example of dedication to justice and civic engagement than MP John Lewis. As the election approaches [...], I thought an image of John Lewis would remind people that hard-won gains in voting rights and equality must be vigilantly maintained [...].”
Additional info
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