Shepard Fairey: The Man Behind OBEY

SHEPARD FAIREY
ARTIST - ACTIVIST
Shepard Fairey, founder of OBEY and OBEY Clothing, was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. In 1989 he created the “Andre the Giant has a Posse” sticker that transformed into the OBEY GIANT art campaign, with imagery that has changed the way people see art and the urban landscape. After 29 years, his work has evolved into an acclaimed body of art, which includes the 2008 “Hope” portrait of Barack Obama, found at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. The artist collaborated with Amplifier in 2017 to create the We The People series recognizable during the Women’s Marches and other rallies around the world in defense of national and global social justice issues.
Fairey’s stickers, guerilla street art presence, and 85 plus public murals are recognizable worldwide. His works are in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, the Boston Institute of Contemporary Art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and many others.
Fairey’s distinct and recognizable style is unique to him and to OBEY. His lifestyle is the catalyst for all the brand does and the center point of influence and inspiration. This section isolates his work, from his classic graphic style to fine art renderings on garments. Each season, Shepard tackles new ideas and adds his special touch that makes OBEY what it is.
We hope you enjoy our selection of OBEY.