About the artwork
This silkscreen print depicts a horseman holding a bag, likely filled with gold or silver, as suggested by the inscriptions at the bottom of the work. The title “Gallows Pole” refers to the traditional song *The Maid Freed from the Gallows*, which tells the story of a young woman on death row begging someone to buy her freedom. This song was later popularized by Led Zeppelin in 1970 under the title “Gallows Pole.” Here, Shepard Fairey offers a reflection on power dynamics, justice, wealth, and morality.
Expert opinion
My Sweetheart is a strong example of Shepard Fairey's ability to reinterpret historical visual traditions through a contemporary lens. The artwork combines striking graphic design with layered symbolism, encouraging viewers to question the relationship between wealth, power and social values. Collectors appreciate works from this period for their detailed compositions, political undertones and instantly recognizable OBEY aesthetic. Published in a limited edition of 450, this print represents an excellent example of Fairey's socially engaged practice and remains highly desirable among collectors of 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.
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