About the artwork
This work adopts a triangular shape, featuring a lotus, symbol of peace, and a dove, symbol of freedom. Rays surround this symbol, accompanied by the words "Equal Justice Initiative", while chains stand out against the red background at the bottom of the composition. At the top, the words "peace and justice" are inscribed, supporting the artist's message. The work is in support of the Equal Justice Initiative, an organization based in Montgomery, Alabama, which offers legal representation to, among others, wrongfully convicted prisoners. With this silkscreen, Shepard Fairey also expresses his support for the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, as well as the recently opened Heritage Museum in Montgomery at the time of this edition's creation, in April 2018. Beyond the symbolism of his supporters, the artist himself explains that this work is a confrontation with American racial history. Driven by his activism, Shepard Fairey has donated the profits from this print to the Equal Justice Initiative, the organization for which this work was created.
Expert opinion
This work, characteristic of the artist's political struggles, stands up for the protection of peace and justice, while recalling the American history of racial strife.
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 support the Equal Justice Initiative, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Heritage Museum opening in Montgomery, Alabama,... because I think it's really important to confront the history of racial injustice in America.”
Additional info
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