Collection: Shepard Fairey

Shepard Fairey (b. 1970, Charleston, South Carolina) is an American contemporary artist, activist, and designer whose work bridges the worlds of fine art, street culture, and political commentary. He first gained recognition in the late 1980s with his “Obey Giant” sticker campaign, an experiment in phenomenology and guerrilla art that grew into a worldwide cultural phenomenon. Fairey’s blend of bold graphics, propaganda-inspired imagery, and social messaging has made him one of the most influential street artists of his generation.

In 2008, Fairey’s now-iconic HOPE portrait of Barack Obama became a defining image of the U.S. presidential campaign and cemented his place in the canon of political art. Beyond this work, his art often addresses themes of power, control, equality, and environmental responsibility, challenging viewers to question authority and engage with pressing social issues. His visual language draws on sources such as Soviet-era propaganda, punk rock aesthetics, and advertising, combining them into a distinct style that is both accessible and confrontational.

Fairey’s artwork is held in major public collections, including the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery (Washington, D.C.), the Museum of Modern Art (New York), the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). His exhibitions have spanned from solo shows in contemporary galleries to large-scale museum retrospectives, further establishing his standing in the fine art world.

In addition to his studio practice, Fairey founded OBEY Clothing in 2001, merging art, activism, and streetwear into a global brand that continues to support independent causes and projects. He is also the founder of Studio Number One, a creative agency that produces socially driven campaigns and collaborations.

Today, Shepard Fairey continues to produce paintings, prints, murals, and public installations worldwide. Whether working on the streets or in museums, his art remains committed to sparking dialogue, questioning authority, and using visual culture as a tool for change.