GEF x OBEY x TOGETHER FOREVER T-shirts and Hoodies Available Now

Very rare i allow my work on apparel, but i like the graphic renditions Shepard does with my photographs and I think they work much better on cloth than actual photos. Stoked they did this!

from OBEY:

In celebration of legendary photographer GEF's new book release Together Forever, Shepard Fairey and Glen E. Friedman have collaborated once again to create illustrations based on iconic photographs of RUN-DMC and Beastie Boys from the newly released book for OBEY Clothing. Together Forever symbolizes two groups working together. In a time of such divisiveness it’s a great reminder that there doesn’t need to be a racial divide. Exclusive pre-order available at the Obey clothing site, for the Together Forever collection.

click here for: TOGETHER FOREVER COLLECTION

Shepard Fairey with Larry King on finding hope in "Dump" era

JEFF HO x SHEPARD FAIREY and me our collaboration print goes on sale this morning 10am PST

read the whole blog at OBEYGIANT

Here's my segment:

When I was a kid in the mid 70’s skating the school yards in West L.A., hanging out a bit at the beach in Santa Monica, going by the Zephyr shop to get some Cadillac Wheels or to look at the boards, Jeff Ho was not in sight. Jeff Ho was an enigma. I never knew Jeff personally until many years later, but we eventually became good friends.



Something most don’t realize is that Jeff started the ZEPHYR skateboard team to help kids, mostly street kids, hoping to give guidance and care, to help steer them to good. A lot of those skaters would become known the world over, and Jeff not only helped those kids back then, he continues to this very day doing the same for so many, on the down low, out of the spotlight.



Jeff is worshiped around the world. I’ve seen people bow down to him in the middle of the street when they see him, swearing he is the all-time best surfboard maker (Jeff was inducted into the Surfboard Shapers Hall of Fame just a few years ago). He was a skater before he was a surfer- he is an artisan in the water, on the street, and with the board.


(the original photograph as it appears in MY RULES)

Jeff has more integrity than most anyone I have met. He is a living legend and a real icon. All these are reasons, on top of those you’ve likely seen in the “Dogtown and Z-Boys” film, why I approached Shepard to collaborate on this fine art screen print. We looked at the few portraits I made with Jeff that afternoon, a few years back. Shepard was really drawn to this one (no pun intended), the same one that appears towards the end of my MY RULES book, accompanied by Jeff’s essay. Shepard can explain more on why he picked this one, but I can tell you that I’m stoked to have done it again. I feel Shepard’s graphic representation of some of my photographs, in his icon-creating style, is an honor for the subjects as well as the collaborators, because the man is a craftsman and an intelligent, stand-up guy like few others in his field. Dig it.” – Glen E. Friedman

Limited edition, 300 of each of the two color ways signed by all three of us.

They go on sale 10am PST at ObeyGiant.com in Store under Prints.

Shepard Fairey Designs ‘We The People’ Inauguration Posters

from Graphic Design USA:

In response to Donald Trump’s pending inauguration, Shepard Fairey has designed a series of posters featuring groups he considers traditionally marginalized. The “We the People” series is the work of Fairey — with contributions from artists Jessica Sabogal and Ernesto Yerena — and it has raised several hundred thousand dollars to purchase full-page ads with the posters in the Washington Post to make a statement on Inauguration Day.



Fairey is reportedly collaborating with the Amplifier Foundation, a nonprofit that supports grassroots movements and which commissioned the project. The plan: buy full-page ads in the newspaper that feature the images, and encourage people to tear them out and hold them as placards or posters. Fairey is, of course, famous for his 2008 Obama Hope poster.

Three of my Shepard Fairey collaborations over the weekend on Instagram - Skate-Punk-HipHop

TONY "MAD DOG" ALVA - collaboration with Shepard Fairey @OBEYgiant of the iconic original (you can scroll down in my feed to see the original photo, or better yet get the MY RULES book!) T.A. trespassing in Beverly Hills 1977, first day using my Takumar 17 mm fisheye that was bought used for my 15th birthday. One of my favorites of ATTITUDE and an all time classic. One of the greatest and most important skateboarders in history. His STYLE is absolutely unique and incredible. The fact that he still has it to this day is noteworthy. The original photo was first published in an article I wrote in 1983(?) for Thrasher magazine "Taking and Talking Killer Skate Photos" where I gave tips and told stories on making great skateboarding photographs. Then it appeared un cropped full frame (as all the photographs) in my first hard cover book FUCK YOU HEROES. Now it also appears bigger and better reproduction than ever in my book MY RULES . #skateboarding #TonyAlva #Style #Attitude #KnowYourRoots #ZBoys #Zephyr #BlueTileObsession #TonyBlueTile #backyardpool #OBEY @obeygiant #FUN #inspiration #integrity #zflex #powerflex #middlefinger #art #collaboration #ShepardFairey #flippinthebird #classic #ICON #MyRules #GetTheNewBook #WestLA #DogTown

A photo posted by glen E. friedman Ⓥ (@glenefriedman) on Jan 14, 2017 at 5:27pm PST

Keith Morris of the CIRCLE JERKS at the Starwood (Hollywood) circa 1980. This collaboration between Shepard Fairey @obeygiant , Keith and myself was cool to do, Keith inspired this color palate and it was a rare one for Shepard along side his typical red base, also did a blue based one. I always thought Keith had a a great writing style so I asked him to write down some of the songs he was most known for over the years as one of the great Punk Rock vocalists (Black Flag, Circle Jerks, OFF!). We also used some pieces of the LP cover i made with them. circle Jerks were a great band to see at this time and at this place, seemed to be the center of it all at the time. Keith is one of four people who wrote an editorial for my original MY RULES Photozine in 1982 as well as a piece for my latest book MY RULES (the other three being Ian MacKaye, Chuck Dukowski, and Jello Biafra) the book is huge and something you need to see (ask at your local bookstore or worst case scenario you can get it at Amazon). #inspiration #integrity #photography #book #keithmorris #circlejerks #punkrock #punk #LAPunk #FrontierRecords #WestCoastPunk #RedTape #LiveFastDieYoung #GoupSex #Bud #GetTheNewBook #MyRules #ShepardFairey @obeygiant #collaboration

A photo posted by glen E. friedman Ⓥ (@glenefriedman) on Jan 15, 2017 at 3:21pm PST

PUBLIC ENEMY collaboration with Shepard Fairey from some years back, one of our first together, based on my 1987 photograph. Anyone who sees this doesn't need to be reminded on this holiday celebrating the life and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Probably doesn't need to be reminded of the social impact and inspiration this group started to make in the late 80's and beyond. I am proud to have worked with my brothers in the formative years and help spread the positive and strong ideas... and while not always perfect in those years, at least there was movement, encouragement and education going on, for anyone within earshot. What Public Enemy and the Bomb Squad started back then was a seed that still blossoms to this day. I believe they were responsible for incredible education among all races to the plight of African Americans. Contribution acknowledged 🙏🏽 ✌🏽👊🏽✊🏽🤝 - 🖕🏽racists #MLK #MalcolmX #RaceInAmerica #AmeriKKKa #PublicEnemy #PublicEnemyNumberOne #FightThePower #SpeakUp #FuckRacism #ChuckD #HipHop #Culture #NewYork #DefJam #MiuziWeighsATon #inspiration #integrity #FuckYouHeroes #MyRules this original photograph was one of their first publicity photos and appeared in Fuck You Heroes, on the shared single cover for "Bring The Noise" and in the My Rules book.

A photo posted by glen E. friedman Ⓥ (@glenefriedman) on Jan 16, 2017 at 2:06pm PST

My new collaboration with Shepard Fairey and ICE-T Releases tomorrow morning.

from Shepard Fairey at OBEY Giant:

Considering the outcome of Tuesday’s election, I want to lead off this Ice-T post with a fitting intro from his “The Iceberg / Freedom of Speech… Just Watch What You Say” album (featuring Jello Biafra below).

Ice-T has been making social commentary for 3 decades… here’s a little history on my connection to his music.

I first heard Ice-T in 1988 around the same time I had also just picked up Public Enemy’s “Yo Bum Rush the Show” album based on the Thrasher magazine description of Public Enemy as “the new punk rock.” I’d say that the punk rock description applies to Ice-T, who is credited by many as the godfather of Gangster Rap (though Ice-T gives proper respects to Schoolly D). The first Ice-T record I heard was Power which had only come out a few days before. The album opens with a hilarious skit in which a scuffle over Ice’s new Power album results in a gunshot wound and ensuing deliberation over whether to call the paramedics or listen to the new album… you can guess which way it goes. The album opens with the song “Power”which has the opening lyrics:  

“I’m livin’ large as possible, posse unstoppableStyle topical, vividly opticalListen, you’ll see ’em sometimes I’ll be ’emCops, critics and punks, never ever wanta see me in POWERWell, that’s too bad, Apocalypse Now I’m back and I’m madWe’re comin’, you’re runnin’ cold and cunningIce T on the mic, Top-Gunning”

Well, that opening line really stuck with me and ended up being the inspiration for the use of the word “posse” in my “Andre the Giant has a Posse” sticker a few months later. “Power” is my favorite Ice-T album, but he has several excellent albums including “Rhyme Pays,” “Iceberg: Freedom of Speech,” and “OG, Original Gangster.” Three out of four of those records have cover photographs by Glen E. Friedman. Glen and I both think that Ice-T is a very important figure in the golden era of hip hop who deserves to be celebrated for his contribution and exposed to a younger generation, so we collaborated on this image, which is based on an out take photo session from the “Power” era. If you only know Ice-T for his TV roles, do yourself a favor and check out the albums I mentioned. By the way, Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” lifts its chorus from an Ice-T song of the same name from 1993. Like I said, the guy is O.G.

Both prints are signed by me, Glen E. Friedman, and Ice-T. – Shepard

There is no doubt about it, Ice-T is a California legend. From a street hustler and thief, who took his moniker from none other than “Iceberg Slim,” this dude emerged as one of the most heavily West Coast inspired rappers of all time. When we worked together on his first three album covers and multiple singles, it was always a great collaboration of style, character, and purpose. Ice is a storyteller extraordinaire, a hustler on every respectable level. A true friend and as loyal as they come to those close to him. Respect due to this real icon and player, for telling his stories and sharing the culture in the way only he can. O.G. – Glen E. Friedman

Ice-T OG Red. 18  by 24 inches. Screen Print. Signed by Shepard Fairey, Glen E. Friedman, and Ice-T. Edition of 300. $70. Release Date: Tuesday, November 15 at 10AM (PST) on ObeyGiant.com in Store under Prints.

Ice-T OG Blue. 18 inches by 24 inches. Screen Print. Signed by Shepard Fairey, Glen E. Friedman, and Ice-T.  Editions of 300. $70. Release Date: Tuesday, November 15 at 10AM PST on ObeyGiant.com in Store under Prints. 

New Shepard Fairey x Ice-T x GEF collaboration

Out here in LA for the week [last week] working on a few different projects, got it started with the guys from "Love Letters to skateboarding" and @lancemountain on sunday, then monday over at Studio Number One for four hours signing these new ICE-T art prints that are a collaboration with Shepard Fairey @obeygiant and my homie Ice-T... Limited edition joints based on my photograph will go on sale later this fall, is my guess, but i just signed up my share... #ICET #OG #ShepardFairey #Obey #collaboration #inspiration #art #originalGangster #pimpinainteasy #sixinthemorning #RhymePays #Power #Darlene #WestCoast #HipHop #Rap #CoCo #Chanel #dadtimeAGAIN

A photo posted by glen E. friedman Ⓥ (@glenefriedman) on Sep 1, 2016 at 3:24pm PDT

Shepard Fairey goes out on a limb, once again, to support a major candidate for President of the United States of America

My good friend Shepard just announced on the internet several hours ago:

Bernie Sanders is the real deal and I feel it’s important for me to voice my support for his bid for President. I think he’s the candidate who will look out for the interest of average Americans and the candidate who to me embodies the principles of justice, equality, liberty, and access to the American Dream. I designed these t-shirts based off what I created for the chilipeppers fundraiser concert, and I’m happy these will help to fund Bernie’s campaign since he absolutely does not take money from corporations or Super PACs. Bernie needs help from people like you and me and I think he’ll look out for the needs of people like you and me. Pick up a t-shirt and help support Bernie Sanders! - Shepard

get it here in BLACK:
https://store.berniesanders.com/collections/apparel/products/shep-fairey-bernie-t-shirt-black

or here in WHITE:
https://store.berniesanders.com/collections/apparel/products/shep-fairey-bernie-t-shirt

Shocking Art Supplies Everywhere HUMOR Shepard Fairey cameo on Portlandia

Shepard Fairey has a new show opening in New York City this evening!

I went to a sneak preview last night over on 26th street and as usual Shepard get's to the nut and cracks it. Great work, great graphics, great (rarely subtle) political messages we can all appreciate.


ABC Breaking News | Latest News Videos

go here to the gallery website for the details.

The exhibition coincides with Fairey’s new monograph Covert to Overt, published by Rizzoli. A limited number of copies will be available for advance purchase at Jacob Lewis Gallery before the book’s release date. I think it's one of his best yet, great photos of his murals world wide like we've never seen in a book before. RESPECT.

Jacob Lewis Gallery is pleased to present On Our Hands, an exhibition of new paintings by Shepard Fairey. The exhibition will be on view September 18 – October 24, with a public opening reception September 17, 4-8pm.

On Our Hands is the first solo exhibition of Fairey’s paintings in New York City since 2010. In his new body of work, Fairey builds up the surface of his canvas in densely collaged relief, calling to mind a city wall layered with decades of distressed flyers. The paintings reflect on contemporary issues facing our global community: political corruption, environmental apathy and abuse of power. The exhibition is marked by a focus on corporate influence in government and the resulting inaction toward environmental concerns by the powers that be.

“I am incredibly honored to show at Jacob Lewis Gallery. I have known Jacob for years, and he has always maintained an insightful understanding of my aesthetics, techniques, and philosophies,” says Fairey on his inaugural exhibition at his representing gallery in New York. In cooperation with the gallery, a concurrent survey of Fairey’s newest print editions will be on view at Pace Prints one floor below.

Shepard Fairey first gained prominence while still a student at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he created his seminal “Andre the Giant Has a Posse” sticker. Fairey, taking notes from conceptual artist Barbara Kruger’s white-on red type design, transformed the original sticker into an internationally recognized symbol of the OBEY brand. Over the past two decades, Fairey has created indelible paintings, illustrations, fine art editions and murals critiquing the ever-changing political landscape. Influenced by Russian Constructivism, Chinese Communist propaganda and American advertising, Fairey’s work exemplifies a lifelong experiment in phenomenology and a simultaneously hopeful and damning call for independent thought in America.

Shepard Fairey x Glen E. Friedman x My Rules x Obey clothing - officially released today

from Obey Clothing

We're proud to present a collaboration between legendary photographer Glen E. Friedman and OBEY. Glen has shot some of the most memorable and meaningful photos in skateboarding, punk rock, hip hop and more over the last 30 years. Always with an eye for perfection and living by the definition of integrity, Glen has amassed a body of work including album covers for the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, and Suicidal Tendencies. He was there to shoot Minor Threat, Bad Brains and the DC scene. Glen was in back yard pools taking pictures of Tony Alva and the Dogtown crew as they changed skateboarding.



Over the years, Glen and Shepard have collaborated on a number of projects, most of which were never available on apparel. Now Glen has released a new book, My Rules, and we thought it was a perfect time to release some of those collaborations. So in support of My Rules we are releasing 4 of those works, each representing a different genre. There is Tony Alva from Dogtown and skateboarding, Henry Rollins from Black Flag, Cornell West the political activist and Public Enemy for hip hop.

CHECK out some of the collection at OBEY CLOTHING

New collaboration of mine of Keith Morris with Shepard Fairey will be made available Tuesday

I have approached Shepard with ideas for collaborations as often as he's approached me. This latest was a no brainer and we've been discussing it off and on for a couple of years now. Finally with the FLAG and OFF! shows in full gear, Shepard agreed this would be a great time to do one with our old friend, and inspiration, Keith Morris.

Yes, Keith was Black Flag's original singer, and yes he was one of the founders of the Circle Jerks, as well as a few other side project bands, and now he's currently in a really great band called OFF!

As I said, he's currently doing the "FLAG" thing with Chuck Dukowski, Dez Cadena, Bill Stevenson, and Steve (from All), They are playing lots of the old BLACK FLAG songs they all know so well and performed for several years in the late 70's and early 80's. I saw them play a great show a few weeks ago. (I was worn out for days after enjoying that set!) In fact it was while I was out in LA doing some work (I went with Shepard & Amanda Fairey, actually), among other things, and signing all these prints! Anyway, I think these came out really cool. (In fact I'm thinking a Dukowski collaboration may have to happen as well, not too far down the road.)

Check out the blurb's from Shepard and Keith below along with links to where you can get one of the limited edition prints if you're interested.

from OBEYGIANT.com

I’m a big fan of all of the bands Keith Morris has fronted… Black Flag, The Circle Jerks, and OFF!. My first punk show was the Circle Jerks in 1986 in Summerville, South Carolina. I illustrated this image from one of Glen E. Friedman’s photos of Keith around 1981 0r 1982 playing with the Circle Jerks. Glen also shot the Circle Jerks’ “Golden Shower of Hits” cover which is in the collage in the lower left. Keith was kind enough to write down all of his favorite song titles from all three bands to incorporate into the collage.

-Shepard

I was approached by Glen E. Friedman asking if I’d be interested in collaborating with him and his friend Shepard Fairey on a poster using a photo he had taken a coupla’ dozen yrs. ago. I was familiar with Shepard and his work as we’d hung out at 2 or 3 art exhibits, seen various pieces of his including giant images of Henry Rollins, Ian McKaye, Glen Danzig and others at the KROQ punk gig out in San Bernardino and had been to his art space when he threw a flyer/poster/punk rock art shindig. Shepard and I talked about color schemes and seeing as I’m a fan of Rick Griffin who started off drawing comics for Surfer Magazine, posters for the Fillmore West and John Van Hamersveld who was responsible for the Beatles “Magical Mystery Tour” album cover and some of my favorite handbills for early gigs at the Shrine Auditorium in the late 60′s I wanted to use some of their color examples…………4 days later we were going to print.
-Keith Morris



18 x 24 inch screen prints, signed by Shepard Fairey, Glen E. Friedman and Keith Morris. Three different colorway versions available.

Release date: Tuesday September 10, 2013 at a random time between 10 and 11am PST in the PRINTS page of the store. Limit 1 version of each colorway per person/household.


Further notes: Keith also mentioned his love of “Germs” blue, so I made a color variation inspired by that as well as the psychedelic vibe and my usual color palette.
-Shepard



KEITH MORRIS (4 COLOR)

18 x 24 inch, 4 color screen print. Signed by Shepard Fairey, Glen E. Friedman and Keith Morris. Numbered edition of 200. $75. Limit 1 per person/household.

KEITH MORRIS (BLUE)

18 x 24 inches, 3 color screen print. Signed by Shepard Fairey, Glen E. Friedman and Keith Morris. Numbered edition of 150. $75. Limit 1 per person/household.

KEITH MORRIS (RED)

18 x 24 inches, 3 color screen print. Signed by Shepard Fairey, Glen E. Freidman and Keith Morris. Numbered edition of 150. $75. Limit 1 per person/household.

Release Date: Tuesday September 10, 2013 at a random time between 10 and 11am PST in the PRINTS page of the store.

Sunday Documentary series:Exit Through The Gift Shop

In Honor of the Wooster Collective 10 year anniversary show opening this week here in New York City.

check this out.

A few thoughts on Election Day 2012 + An Essay By Shepard Fairey

Shepard Fairey sent me this blog he wrote for the 90 DAYS, 90 REASONS website. I thought it was pretty cool.

I am under not much illusion to the right leanings of our Democratic Party, President, and since I live in a state that is virtually a lock for Barak Obama I am whole heartedly voting for Dr. Jill Stein of the Green Party (in fact I already have via absentee ballot). That said, I agree with much of what Shepard says and particularly what Noam Chomsky has suggested during this presidential election.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I wish Obama was everything the republikkkans and tea party accuse him of being, if he was this country would be in a much better place. If they only had an ounce of intellect, or could let up on the greed to think about other humans for more than a day... THE FUCKING GREED OF THE RIGHT MAKES ME SO SAD AND SO DISAPPOINTED IN HUMAN BEINGS... AND THE IGNORANCE THAT HAS PEOPLE ARGUING FOR THEM, AGAINST THEIR OWN BEST INTEREST, IS HEART BREAKING...

Not voting at all is just like drinking or getting high, it's exactly what the corporations and the oligarchy want you to do. You have a voice, it's not only about speaking out on election day, but every fucking day you live, so don't sit this one out becuase you're above it all, because it's counter to "The Revolution" or you're too cool/self important to participate in the system, do something! Oh, and by "doing something" and voting, i don't mean go out and vote for Romney and Ryan, if you think that's a good idea then you're in a boat filled with these pathetic folks, and those referred to above, I look forward to the day that one sails off into the sunset or just sinks.

-GEF

I’M VOTING FOR OBAMA BECAUSE I BELIEVE PROGRESS IS POSSIBLE.

I’m voting for Barack Obama, but not because of "Hope," the poster I made in 2008, or because of hopes, of which I can’t say mine have been particularly fulfilled. I’m voting for Barack Obama because I believe evolution is real and possible. I want to see this country move forward, not backward, and I know that four more years of Obama in office will have our country and our planet looking far more like the ones I want to see than a Romney presidency ever could.

When I created my Obama portrait, the image was originally accompanied by the word “progress,” not “hope,” because I thought Obama was the candidate who would lead us in the right direction. My poster wasn’t directly affiliated with the Obama campaign, but when they politely asked me if I’d change it to say “hope” I obliged, because without hope there is no action, and without action there is no progress.

I come from the worlds of skateboarding and punk rock, and the "Hope" poster was about as un-Jello Biafra as you can get. I didn’t make it because it fit my outsider image or my history as an antagonistic street artist. I made the poster because I care about the future for my kids, and I saw an opportunity within the only political system we’ve got to support someone unlike the people we usually get.

I could go on and on about the flaws of the system itself, but short of a violent revolution (which I don’t advocate), the only way to improve the governance of the country, and the system itself, is to vote people in who will make positive changes for government and for the people. I’ve talked to many people who say “f*ck the system—I’m not voting,” but when you remove yourself from the democratic process by saying “f*ck the system,” you’re only ensuring that the system will be more f*cked.

When I look at the accumulation of power by the oligarchy and the rise of the dog-eat-dog, kill-the-poor mentality, I see civilization, opportunity, and equality sliding backward. I love Devo, but I’m no fan of devolution. This is no time for idealistic posturing on the sidelines. The people who benefit most from your apathy certainly don’t want you to vote. If you’re as frustrated as I am, and you want to give a big F*CK YOU to someone, vote for Obama—and while you’re at it, vote some sane people into Congress, which has been more dysfunctional (thanks to the Tea Party) over the last two years than any other Congress in history—and give the middle finger to the Koch brothers, Karl Rove, Wall Street, and all the other powerful interests who want us to live in their world without any say for ourselves or any humanitarian regard for society’s least fortunate.

Obama can relate to the struggles of average Americans. Obama came from nothing and achieved the American Dream through hard work—he wasn’t born into American royalty like Mitt Romney. As suspicious as I am of all politicians, when I look at the character and perspective of Barack Obama I see a stark contrast between his humanity and Romney’s callousness. Regardless of my frustration with certain aspects of Obama’s first four years, I know that evolution toward manifesting the ideals of equality, justice, general welfare, and the pursuit of happiness with a level playing field is far more likely with Obama as leader and steward of these ideals.

Even if you’re cynical about Obama, look at the alternative. Mitt Romney has promised to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Romney will protect the power of the wealthy while straining the middle class further. Romney will increase military spending while schools lose funding. Under Romney, the Supreme Court would most likely move even further to the right. A more conservative Supreme Court would be disastrous for future prospects of repealing the Citizens United decision or any other future campaign finance reform, and could result in women losing their right to choose.

Four years ago, I knew that electing Obama wouldn’t be the magic bullet to fix every one of the nation’s problems, but it would at least be a move back in the right direction after eight years of fear, war, and shrinking privacy and freedoms. Another four years of Obama will likely not achieve all I hope for, but it will take us forward, not backward. How far forward we can move depends largely on us, not Obama. Progress depends on how hard we push. I’ve often described my approach as the “inside/outside strategy.” Obama can be our ally on the inside, but we have to use all our voices and resources to push from the outside. Your vote is just one very important part of your voice. There are many issues on Obama’s agenda that I’d like to see succeed, and the potential for effective results is greatly enhanced by exterior pressure on government, not just pressure from government.

If you care like I do about the issues of: tax fairness, Wall Street regulation, green energy, fuel efficiency standards, climate change, education, infrastructure and infrastructure jobs, health care, and marriage equality, elect Obama and then push him and Congress to move these ideas forward.

—SHEPARD FAIREY

Shepard Fairey Occupy UPDATE !

After Conversations with Occupy Wall Street Organizers, Shepard Fairey Releases Revised “Occupy Hope” Design

By Shepard Fairey
I am not directly associated with either the Obama re-election campaign or the organizers of Occupy Wall St. After I put my Occupy HOPE image and brief statement online [last] Friday, I received responses from people and some very important issues were raised. It is hard to put across complex ideas with an image, and even harder to have a reasonable discussion in this polarizing, sound-bite oriented, media landscape, so I was grateful for some thoughtful feedback. My most eye-opening discussion was with an organizer of Occupy Wall St. who remains anonymous to preserve the lack of hierarchy within the movement. Below is a bit of our dialogue, which shows the many nuances to be navigated…

This image represents my support for the Occupy movement, a grassroots movement spawned to stand up against corruption, imbalance of power, and failure of our democracy to represent and help average Americans. On the other hand, as flawed as the system is, I see Obama as a potential ally of the Occupy movement if the energy of the movement is perceived as constructive, not destructive. I still see Obama as the closest thing to “a man on the inside” that we have presently. Obviously, just voting is not enough. We need to use all of our tools to help us achieve our goals and ideals. However, I think idealism and realism need to exist hand in hand. Change is not about one election, one rally, one leader, it is about a constant dedication to progress and a constant push in the right direction. Let’s be the people doing the right thing as outsiders and simultaneously push the insiders to do the right thing for the people. I’m still trying to work out copyright issues I may face with this image, but feel free to share it and stay tuned… -Shepard Fairey

Response from an Occupy Wall Street organizer:

Shepard,

The design is brilliant and powerful on many levels. I’m sure many people will love it. I don’t know if you know the history and evolution of the OWS 99% movement, but a core subgroup within Anonymous played a significant role, so to see that you used the V mask is very fitting. That being said, if it is not too late, we would like to make suggestions that we believe will make the design much more broadly accepted within the movement. You’re the artistic genius, so take what we say for whatever it’s worth to you.

Unfortunately, as it stands now, I myself and several other organizers cannot in any way be connected to this design. The 99% movement is wholly non-partisan and we have been repeatedly attacked as being a front for Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign. Our movement is about uniting people, from all different walks of life and all different political viewpoints, against the global financial elite who have bought control of our government through campaign finance, lobbying and the revolving door.

As Obama has raised more money from Wall Street than any other candidate in history, it would make us naive hypocrites to support him under present circumstances. I have written many investigative reports on our economic crisis, I know the situation very well from a policy perspective. All hope was lost with Obama as soon as he picked Tim Geithner as his Treasury Secretary. He also made Larry Summers his lead economic advisor and Bill Daley his Chief of Staff. He even supported the reconfirmation of the Bush-chosen Fed chairman Ben Bernanke. You cannot have a worse group of people when it comes to the economic destruction of the US. Geithner, Summers and Bernanke have made a career out of exploiting the 99%.

Some of us are of the opinion that Romney would be worse than Obama on some issues and many OWS supporters may end up voting for Obama over Romney. However, this movement is about empowering people to take actions themselves to fight for the structural change we urgently need. To reduce us to an Obama re-election campaign will not help anyone. Our political system is corrupt and broken. As naive as it may sound, we have to stop looking to leaders and we must be the change.

When you say that you “see Obama as a potential ally of the Occupy movement if the energy of the movement is perceived as constructive, not destructive.” That is a highly offensive and disrespectful comment. Everything we do is designed to be constructive. In the face of repeated police brutality, we have remained non-violent. We use the money that has been donated to us to feed people at our camps that don’t get food otherwise. We have medical professionals and psychologists who help people who can’t afford care. We had drug addicts directed to our camps by the police in attempts to make us look bad, and we have professional councilors treating them if they need or want help. We have put our bodies on the line in a peaceful non-violent manner so we can give voice to the voiceless. Our camps have become a place where people can air their grievances and engage in dialogue to find constructive ways out of the dire situation they are in. Of course the Fox News type outlets are going to work to create a false impression, but why would you feed into their propaganda framing?

As for the design, the fact that you put the 99% inside the Obama O is crossing a sacred line. While it definitely looks cool, whether intended or not, this sends a clear message that Obama is co-opting OWS. Just the fact that you are the person creating the design and using your iconic red, white and blue gives the Obama connection more than enough room to make your pro-Obama statement. Without the 99% being in his O, it would be a fair balance of interests, in my opinion. With the 99% being in his O, this sends a clear message that Obama is attempting to co-opt OWS and creates serious problems for the movement.

Also, given the fact that Obama’s HOPE is written out just as it was last time, it is again excessive and in my opinion weak to pleadingly address the president as hoping he is on our side. If you want to win over the movement in a genuine way, I would suggest saying something like “We Are Hope” and then underneath the word “Hope” you can really get some street cred by writing, “Expect Us.”

Obviously, this is your design and powerful statement, and you are brilliant in conveying your message. I’m sure you will find a large audience that will love it. Given my admiration and respect for you as an artist, I am conflicted in the fact that I cannot support or endorse this as it currently is. Depending on the intensity of the backlash that the movement endures in response to it, I sincerely hope that we can find ways to work together moving forward. I will do my best not to publicly comment on it and will work to advise other organizers to not speak out against it. Sorry for having to write these things, my every move has been under intense scrutiny. At the end of the day, I have great respect for you and your art.

Shepard’s response:

I get everything you are saying. I don’t agree with all of it, but I appreciate it. I get that the Occupy movement is non-partisan. I see a conflict for you and the movement there. However, my poster is not in any way a re-elect Obama poster. I have zero contact with the Obama campaign. I am disappointed with many aspects of Obama’s presidency and I am far from an unconditional Obama supporter. The round logo I made is not Obama’s O logo. His O uses curved stripes and a white sun. The stripes in my 99% logo are straight. I saw my 99% logo as subverting his logo more than amplifying it. I wanted a patriotic frame for the 99% logo to assert that the Occupy movement IS patriotic. The use of the word HOPE is more saying that Occupy is the greatest Hope we now have, but it would be great if Occupy pushed Obama in the right direction. You may find any appeal to Obama to support Occupy as unrealistic, but I have always believed in working EVERY angle. I’ve called it the “inside/outside strategy” for many years. Outsider activism is where I come from, but outsider elitism is incredibly unhealthy because it excludes moderates.

I have no interest in pandering to Obama. I see my image as a reminder to him that he has alienated his populist progressive supporters. If the threat of not being re-elected pushes Obama to do more to reform Wall St. etc… then I’m all for that! I’m also terrified of a Republican taking office. I voted for Nader in 2000 and if people like me won Bush that election I’ll regret that forever. I did not make the Occupy HOPE image to become THE image for Occupy. I believe very strongly in the Occupy movement, but I’m looking more at the politics of the entire nation than the politics within Occupy. I’m sure I may not be extreme enough for some people. When I said “if the movement is perceived as constructive, not destructive” I mean exactly that… PERCEIVED. I am trying to be realistic, not offensive. I have written that the movement is intelligent, civilized, peaceful, and tolerant in stark contrast to the Tea Party, but I have also been to Occupy LA and NY and seen and heard some views that I think undermine the movement’s potential to resonate. Some of the loudest people are putting across anti-capitalist, anti-government messages. I have plenty of issues with capitalist greed and our government’s policies, but constructive phrasing about reform is essential. I’m not feeding into Fox’s framing, I’ve witnessed this myself. I’m all for freedom of speech, but I desperately want the movement to succeed!

Most of the rhetoric is not too radical for me, but I’m well aware that much of the country is scared and cautious. I know that you and the organizers are very intelligent, dedicated, and engaged. I meant no disrespect to 98% of the 99%. I’m incredibly frustrated too, but evolution, much less “revolution”, scares most people. I want progress to be made! I made a series of images calling out villains and issues (I actually made these several months before Occupy started): http://obeygiant.com/support-the-occupy-movement-free-downloads I donate money and art to rootstrikers.org. I want campaign finance reform ASAP. We may disagree on some things. I want to support Occupy as much as I can without undermining its potential to move things in the right direction. I have tons of issues with the two-party system, but I don’t see it being dismantled any time soon. I want reform to happen and I’m trying to look at realistic routes to ideal outcomes. I’m very open to hearing suggestions from you, and I’d also be into sharing this dialogue publicly if you are open to that. I think it could be valuable to people to hear a thoughtful discussion of these issues. Let me know.

-Shepard

OCCUPY HOPE a note from my friend Shepard Fairey

This image represents my support for the Occupy movement, a grassroots movement spawned to stand up against corruption, imbalance of power, and failure of our democracy to represent and help average Americans. On the other hand, as flawed as the system is, I see Obama as a potential ally of the Occupy movement if the energy of the movement is perceived as constructive, not destructive. I still see Obama as the closest thing to “a man on the inside” that we have presently. Obviously, just voting is not enough. We need to use all of our tools to help us achieve our goals and ideals. However, I think idealism and realism need to exist hand in hand. Change is not about one election, one rally, one leader, it is about a constant dedication to progress and a constant push in the right direction. Let’s be the people doing the right thing as outsiders and simultaneously push the insiders to do the right thing for the people. I’m still trying to work out copyright issues I may face with this image, but feel free to share it and stay tuned…
-Shepard Fairey

from OBEY

My Latest Collaboration with Shepard to celebrate Henry's 50th!

More than a year ago when Shepard Fairey and I were discussing some possible future collaborations, I came up with the idea of doing this one to celebrate, what would be, Henry's monumental 50th birthday. The quintessential punk Renaissance man, friend, and inspiration to many. It was easy for him to agree, Rollins through one of my classic photographs would be a great subject.

His actual birthday is 2.13.61, as is the name of his publishing company (who were the first to distribute my book FUCK YOU HEROES).

Henry is doing a special tour to celebrate as well. Go here to check for dates, he'll be in New York City tonight and tomorrow (i'll be there!), and in his original hometown of Washington DC on the 13th.

This limited edition collaborative poster, signed by Henry, Shepard, and myself, will be made available on his birthday, at the Obey Giant web site. They usually sell out pretty quick, so good luck grabbing one if you're interested.

Here's the original photo that appeared in my book FUCK YOU TOO.


Hank signing'em up



here's Henry speaking on WNYC about his 50th:

Latest GEF - Shepard Fairey Collaborationto be released this week

I've been a fan of Dr. Cornel West since the first time I heard him speak, he's no doubt one of my favorite people on the planet. The first time I actually met him was in November of 2000, the day before the dreadful presidential (s)election of G.W. Bush. He was traveling and speaking with a personal hero of mine, Ralph Nader. A year later I approached him (as well as Ralph Nader and a few others) to make a contribution to my updated version of The Idealist, since i was also planning on including a photo of him in it, he was happy to oblige and gave me some inspiring words for it's text. Since then we've seen each other a few times at various events and speaking engagements. Back in July of 2009 I went to see him speak at a Revolution newspaper discussion, and with less than 2 minutes to work I took the photo back stage that became the basis for the recent collaboration.

Last year some time when I approached Shepard with the idea of doing two more collaborations, he was immediately into it. One for 2010, and one for 2011 was part of the plan. So in 2010 we did the first, based on my photograph of Dr. Cornel West, mentioned above. Finally just the week before last we got Brother West to come down to the Studio Number One offices, out by Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, to sign the posters. Not since the Bad Brains collaboration, (that all of the original members signed), have I been so excited to get one of these signed by the subject and out. Shepard and I signed them back in January. Now, very appropriately it is being released on October 14th, the same day that in 1964 Martin Luther King Jr. became the youngest man ever to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. As usual the print will be available on the Obey Giant web site. This is a limited edition (450), they are numbered, and signed by all three of us. If you're interested, keep close attention to the site because they usually go within the first 24 hours (or in some cases the first 24 minutes!)






Oh, and for the 2011 print... Well, if you come to my show in San Francisco next month you'll get to see the "fine art" version before the poster version is released - hint: it will be released on February 13th 2011, on the subjects' 50th birthday!

Shepard Fairey installation on Houston St. NYC

I meant to go down for a half hour or so, but the scene kept me 'till sundown. Just wanted to drop by and say hello to Shepard and his crew, a few sun showers and 4 hours later i felt like i'd just been to some new hot gallery opening that focused on just one piece of art. I had a good time as did the family, and nearly everyone who walked by. There were some interesting folks, the usual East Villagers, graffiti artists, musicians, photographers, more than a few famous actors and everything else New York City always spits out... all just walking by. Shepard was doing this mural piece in conjunction with his new exhibition opening next weekend, MAY DAY, here in New York.


Check out this little video i made this evening with some of the stills and moving stuff i shot on my pocket digital earlier :



(Passers by, above, Michael "Kramer" Richards, and Dustin Hoffman)

Shepard Fairey, my friend, opens wide at the end of a big year.

from Obey Giant

The escalation in Afghanistan, the weak health care reform, detainee abuse not being shared with the public… on a number of issues I’m very disappointed in Obama. I hate being in a position where I’ll either be characterized as having “turned” on Obama for speaking out, or for being a “brainwashed cheerleader” if I give him more time to get it together. The last thing I want is to do is de facto strengthen the Republican’s position by attacking Obama, but I think he needs to be pushed. I don’t think Obama is a bad human being, I just think he is not being brave enough. In some regards I think Obama is just the messenger, letting us know he’s caved in to corporate and political forces we have all done too little to keep in check. I must qualify that by saying SOME people like Robert Greenwald and his Brave New Films team and MoveOn.org have certainly done their part to make righteous efforts. I’m disillusioned with the whole two party system. I’m baffled by some of Obama’s moves and many of the Democratic party’s moves. I’m confident that only campaign finance reform and vigorous participation from citizens, not corporations will change things for the better. Let’s all turn our dissatisfaction into positive action… talk- [minus] action=0.

Happy day of good will and peace on earth from a proud agnostic humanitarian. If a god made all this, he or she was quite mischievous if not mean-spirited.

-Shepard

got this version of the graphic from CODE PINK Women for Peace