United States
• 1970
6064 followers
I think that art has the ability to capture people's imaginations and make them think that more is possible.
Biography
Shepard Fairey, aka Obey, is an American street artist and graphic designer born in 1970 in Charleston, United States. Passionate about graphic design since the age of 14, he began by creating designs for t-shirts and skateboards. Influenced by Andy Warhol and Alexander Rodchenko, he quickly turned to artistic studies.
In June 2025, Shepard Fairey unveiled a monumental mural on the façade of the Hôtel de Ville in Paris as part of the exhibition “From Paris to Belém: 10 Years of Global Action for the Climate,” commemorating the Paris Agreement. Featuring his trademark red, blue, and cream tones with powerful slogans like “Respect Earth” and “Resist Unite,” the work reinforces his commitment to environmental and political causes. This high-visibility project, combining activism and large-scale public art, further cements his appeal among collectors, institutions, and art lovers seeking pieces with both visual strength and civic impact.
In the late 1980s, with friends from the Rhode Island School of Design, he launched a viral sticker and poster campaign using the image of wrestler André the Giant. Stuck clandestinely in major American cities, these works marked the history of contemporary street art and demonstrated the power of this new form of artistic expression.
Shepard Fairey rose to worldwide fame in 2008 with his iconic HOPE poster, created for Barack Obama, which became a symbol of the presidential campaign. In 2024, he renewed his political commitment by creating the "Forward" poster, in support of Kamala Harris. Inspired by HOPE, this work was used as murals in several key states to encourage voter mobilization. In 2021, Shepard Fairey reimagined Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic, blending street art and political commentary in a powerful tribute to liberty.
Despite legal controversies over intellectual property, Shepard Fairey continues to exhibit his works in the greatest contemporary art museums. In 2022, he created a monumental fresco in Munich, in collaboration with the Department of Art and Culture, to promote renewable energy.
Still active, Shepard Fairey proves that street art is a powerful tool for social and political change, combining art, activism and engagement.
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Shepard Fairey (Obey)
Print - 60.96 x 45.72 x 0.01 cm Print - 24 x 18 x 0 inch
$3,412
Shepard Fairey (Obey)
Print - 66 x 50.8 x 0.6 cm Print - 26 x 20 x 0.25 inch
$6,000
Shepard Fairey (Obey)
Print - 52.1 x 67.3 cm Print - 20.5 x 26.5 inch
$12,000
Shepard Fairey (Obey)
Print - 30.5 x 30.5 cm Print - 12 x 12 inch
$183
Shepard Fairey (Obey)
Print - 46 x 61 cm Print - 18.1 x 24 inch
$548
Shepard Fairey (Obey)
Print - 30 x 30 cm Print - 11.8 x 11.8 inch
$268
Shepard Fairey (Obey)
Print - 61 x 46 cm Print - 24 x 18.1 inch
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Shepard Fairey (Obey)
Print - 61 x 45.5 x 0.05 cm Print - 24 x 17.9 x 0 inch
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Shepard Fairey (Obey)
Print - 61 x 46 x 0.3 cm Print - 24 x 18.1 x 0.1 inch
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Shepard Fairey (Obey)
Print - 45.5 x 61 cm Print - 17.9 x 24 inch
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Shepard Fairey (Obey)
Print - 61 x 46 x 0.1 cm Print - 24 x 18.1 x 0 inch
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Shepard Fairey (Obey)
Print - 48.23 x 35.56 x 0.2 cm Print - 19 x 14 x 0.1 inch
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Shepard Fairey (Obey)
Print - 61 x 46 x 0.2 cm Print - 24 x 18.1 x 0.1 inch
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What is Shepard Fairey best known for?
Shepard Fairey is best known for his "Obey Giant" street art campaign and the iconic "Hope" poster created for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. His work blends graffiti, pop art, and political messaging.
Whose face is on the Obey logo?
The face on the Obey logo is based on André the Giant, a famous French professional wrestler and actor. Street artist Shepard Fairey created the design in 1989, turning André's image into an iconic symbol of street art culture.
What makes Shepard Fairey unique?
Shepard Fairey stands out for blending street art with political activism, notably through his iconic "OBEY" and "HOPE" posters. His bold graphic style and use of propaganda aesthetics make his work instantly recognizable.
What does OBEY mean Shepard Fairey?
OBEY is the iconic street art campaign created by Shepard Fairey in 1989, inspired by the film "They Live." It critiques propaganda, consumerism, and authority, encouraging viewers to question societal messages and power structures.