Though Keith Haring died only two years after I started making street art, his art and practice had already profoundly impacted me. Haring demonstrated that one could create art on the street that differed from the more pervasive lettering-based graffiti. He also showed me that the same artists could not only affect people on the streets, but they could also put their art on T-shirts and record covers as well as have their work respected, displayed, and sold as fine art. Inspired by Keith Haring's achievements, I pursued my art career with the optimism that my goals could be attained.
It isn't surprising that Haring chose to tackle social issues in his art. Children's health, the fight against the crack and AIDS epidemics, and the battle to end apartheid in South Africa were just a few causes Haring championed.
In honor of today being the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, which took place on this day in 1969, I'd like to pay tribute to a hero of mine and a champion for so many just causes, especially for LGBTQ+ rights. Let's carry the spirit of Keith Haring and of the Stonewall protestors forward every day.
-S
I was drawn to punk rock as a teen because of the rebellion and creative independence, specifically the do-it-yourself spirit of the movement and its social commentary. Punk inspired me to make things, and the resulting self-empowerment has served as a blueprint for my entire career. The punk attitude and ethos of independence still inspire me today. I have been fortunate to work with and become friends with Jello Biafra (@jello_biafra_gsm ), a brilliant lyricist and conceptual thinker who is truly the embodiment of punk. I’m stoked to show this piece (based on photo by @glenefriedman ) and to have Jello be a part of PUNK LIVES! I’m excited to present PUNK LIVES, an exhibition celebrating punk and art with Destroy Art (@destroyartinc ) at my gallery @subliminalprojects . The show features pioneers from the 1977 punk scene, my new works, and contemporary punk-inspired artists to celebrate punk’s 50th anniversary. More details below...
-Shepard
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS:
#GeeVaucher , James Stark (@jamesstark61 ), Jello Biafra (@jello_biafra_gsm ), Jesse Michaels (@jesse9michaels ), John Holmstrom (@theofficialpunkmagazine ), John Yates (@stealworks ), Ric Clayton (@rxcx_ric_clayton ), Shawn Kerri, Winston Smith (@winstonsmithart ), Edward Colver (@edwardcolver ) and more!
Abe Garcia (@burst_city83 ), Brian Butler (@showdrawn ), Chloe Perkis (@chloeperkis ), Death/Traitors (@deathtraitors ), Edward Cushenberry (@edwardcushenberry ), GIRL MOBB (@girlmobb ), Gregg Deal (@greggdeal ), Heather Kelly (@sickpleasure ), Marissa Paternoster (@marissapaternoster ), and Somer Stampley (@shesonlydreaming ).
Join us for the opening reception on Saturday, July 13th, 7-10 PM. RSVP to rsvp@subliminalprojects.com to attend. **Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be a small event at Dodger Stadium that day. Parking will be limited, so we suggest you use your preferred ride-share service.
Here's a recap from my recent trip to Paris, capturing the nonstop projects and fun. I was there with my team for the 'We Are Here' group exhibition at @petitpalais_musee , the opening of my solo show 'Swan Song' at @galerie_itinerrance , and worked on three murals. I also had a blast at the opening party for @obeyclothing / @obeyclothingparis during the Fête de la Musique. Thanks to the entire OBEY posse, Galerie Itinerrance, and everyone involved for making it all happen!
-S
Video by: @zagnutz & @jonathanfurlong
NEW Print Release: “Environmental Justice” Available Thursday, June 27th @ 10 AM PT!
This Environmental Justice print is a reminder that common assets, natural resources like air and water that are essential to our health and the health of ecosystems, are owned by all of the public, not the corporations who spoil them in pursuit of profit. Unfortunately, many powerful corporations continue to pollute with impunity because they have found legal loopholes and lobby and bribe politicians to avoid meaningful oversight. Only the government has enough power to hold corporations accountable for their harm to the public and the environment, so if we want justice, we need to either push our elected officials to do the right thing or elect new leaders who will. You can see a roster of environmentally responsible candidates at @janefondaclimatepac ’s site /. An example of why your awareness and our government’s oversite are crucial in the fight for environmental justice is a current attempt in California by the fossil fuel industries to overturn an oil drilling buffer zone meant to keep schools, parks, and communities safe. Keep an eye out for the ballot in November. A portion of proceeds from this print will go to @greenpeaceusa to support their efforts on behalf of responsible environmental legislation. Thanks for caring!
-S
PRINT DETAILS:
Environmental Justice. 18 x 24 inches. Screen print on thick cream Speckletone paper. Signed by Shepard Fairey. Numbered edition of 550. Comes with a Digital Certificate of Authenticity provided by Verisart. $60. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Greenpeace USA. Available on Thursday, June 27th @ 10 AM PDT at . Max order: 1 per customer/household. International customers are responsible for import fees due upon delivery (Except UK orders under $160). ALL SALES FINAL.
I’m excited for my second collaboration with @beyondthestreetsart on a new Gold Edition of the “Peace Fingers” collectible sculpture, limited to 250 pieces. Check it out! -S
‘Peace Fingers’ Gold Edition is available now exclusively through their online shop: beyondthestreets.com
Today is Go Skateboarding Day, here’s an excerpt from my interview with @juicedan of @juicemagazine last year, check it out and go skateboarding! Photo of a frontside Smith grind at Juvee LA 2002/2003. -S
Dan Levy: As skateboarders, we look at the world as a canvas, and repurpose our environment. You also repurpose the environment when you do public street art. What has been the scariest thing that has happened to you besides being arrested when you’re out there doing street art?
Shepard Fairey: You’re right. When I started skateboarding, every ledge was looked at differently as was every set of stairs and handrail and embankment and pool. When you have that mentality, even if there is a security guard and you can only get two runs in, you’re gonna do it. I brought that to street art and it was a totally logical connection and transition to street art. Also, with skateboarding, you’re doing a lot of stuff where you might get hurt. I racked myself on plenty of handrails and got up and did it again. When it comes to doing street art, street art is about visibility and repetition and ubiquity, but it’s also about daring…
(link in bio to read more!)
photo: @adam_wallacavage ?!
From the 2016 “American Civics” series in collaboration with the estate of legendary photographer Jim Marshall (@jimmarshallphoto ). This portrait captures Fannie Lee Chaney as she learns from the FBI that her son, James Chaney, was murdered along with two white friends by the Ku Klux Klan for registering Black voters in Mississippi during Freedom Summer (June 21, 1964). There’s a sadness and resolve in the image, but there’s also a humanity. This Juneteenth, we remember her courage and the enduring spirit of all who push for justice and equality. – S
NEW Print Release: "Treading Water" Available Thursday, June 20th @ 10 AM PT!
This “Treading Water” print is a metaphor for the environmental peril we have created and the struggles future generations will face just to navigate climate-related problems like super storms, drought, famine, population displacement, and, of course, rising sea levels. The lack of progress on climate change is largely due to the oversized influence of deep-pocketed oil companies. Please support a transition to responsible energy sources. A portion of the proceeds from these prints will support the NRDC (@nrdc_org ) and its efforts on behalf of responsible environmental legislation. This is also a canvas in my upcoming “Swan Song” show at @galerie_itinerrance in Paris, which opens Thursday, the 20th of June. Come if you are in or near Paris!
-Shepard
PRINT DETAILS:
Treading Water. 18 x 24 inches. Screen print on thick cream Speckletone paper. Signed by Shepard Fairey. Numbered edition of 550. Comes with a Digital Certificate of Authenticity provided by Verisart. $60. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to NRDC. Available on Thursday, June 20th @ 10 AM PDT at . Max order: 1 per customer/household. International customers are responsible for import fees due upon delivery (Except UK orders under $160). ALL SALES FINAL.
