Whether you hail him as the originator of the modern urban art scene or a propagandist provocateur, it is undeniable that Shepard Fairey is a staggering success. Since coming to prominence in 1989 with his ‘Obey Giant’ sticker campaign, Fairey has achieved cult status amongst high-end galleries and graffiti artists alike.
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Delighted when we heard that the arch manipulator was heading our way, his inaugral London exhibition ‘Nineteeneightyphoria’ didn’t disappoint. Alluding to the surveillance culture of Orwell’s 1984, Fairey brought large scale media installations and screen prints to Brick Lane’s StolenSpace gallery, all of which scrutinised and distorted the narrative of the modern American Dream.
Fairey’s exploration into the genres of graffiti, illustration, comic books and tattoo art has led to the creation of bold and captivating works that mix parody and protest. His unique style has led to collaborations with DJ Shadow and the poster art for the Johnny Cash biopic ‘Walk the Line.’
As well as his foray into Hollywood, Fairey has commanded kudos amongst fellow urban artists such as illustrious Banksy who is ‘absolutely positive that Fairey has made more reaches than any graffiti writer in history has done or ever will.’
INFORMATION
‘NINETEENEIGHTYPHORIA’
- Address
- StolenSpace
Old Truman Brewery
Brick Lane
London
