OBEY: Shepard Fairey

Shepard Fairey is one of todays most recognized and influential street artist of the world. His career as a street artist started when he was exposed to skater community in 1989, while attending the Rhode Island School of Design, one of the most prestigous and challenging design schools, here he started his "André the Giant Has a Posse" campaign. This same campaign is what gave him recognition in the art community and later evolved to be known as the "Obey Giant" campaign. It has evolved throught the internet and social media and has been replicated in skater stickers, clothes, hats and more.
One of his most influential work has been his "HOPE" Obama poster releaed during the 2008 Obama campaign it has been recognized as one of the most influencial work and one of the best campaign techinques there is. Obama has always denied being associated to the release of the poster and its spread around the streets of the country. Fairey later recived a letter from Obama which said:
"I would like to thank you for using your talent in support of my campaign. The political messages involved in your work have encouraged Americans to belive they can change the status-quo. yuour images hava e profound effect on people, weather seen in a gallery or on a stop sign. I am privileged to be part of your artwork and proud to have your support. I wish you continued success and creativity.
-Barack Obama, Febuary 22, 2008
This is one example of the many thousands there are of how street artist can influence the people and send their message across

Works Cited

Esaak, Shelley. "Artists in 60 Seconds: Shepard Fairey." About.com Art History. About.com, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2013. <http://arthistory.about.com/od/namesff/p/fairey.htm>.

Fairey, Shepard. "THANK YOU, FROM BARACK OBAMA! - OBEY GIANT." Obey Giant. Obey, Feb. 2008. Web. 17 Nov. 2013. <http://www.obeygiant.com/headlines/check-it-out>.

Obama "HOPE" Posters in Streets. Personal photograph by author. 2008.<http://people.southwestern.edu/~bednarb/su_netWorks/projects/granger/discoursethree.html>

Obey has a posse Andre the Giant. Personal photograph by author. 2013.<http://www.notsolonelylondoners.com/2012/12/29/spotlight-on-obey/obey-has-a-posse/>

Pop, Iggy. "Shepard Fairey." InterviewMagazine.com. Interview Magazine-Art, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2013. <http://www.interviewmagazine.com/art/shepard-fairey/>.

"Shepard Fairey." The Giant.Org. About.com, 23 Feb. 2008. Web. 17 Nov. 2013. <http://arthistory.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ>.