Shepard Fairey (Obey)

Shepard Fairey, also known by the alias "Obey," was born in 1970 in Charleston, South Carolina, in the United States. His introduction to the world of graphic design occurred early, at age 14, as he crafted images destined for t-shirts and skateboards. Influenced by notable artists like Andy Warhol and Russian artist Alexander Rodtchenko, Fairey's creative path took shape.

In the late 1980s, Fairey (Obey), alongside peers from the Rhode Island School of Design, embarked on a notable venture. They initiated a series of stickers and posters featuring wrestler Andre the Giant, plastering thousands of them across American city walls. The "Andre the Giant Has a Posse" campaign emerged as an early and pivotal viral street art movement, showcasing the potency of this unconventional, illicit form of expression.

Fairey's art gained worldwide recognition during the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign. His creation of the iconic HOPE poster for Barack Obama became a symbol of the campaign's spirit. Notably, the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston hailed Shepard Fairey (Obey) as one of the most influential street artists of our era.

Shepard Fairey's roots span from Charleston, South Carolina, to Los Angeles, California, where his artistry blossomed. His creations, including Obey clothing, reached global acclaim, featured prominently in influential publications like Time Magazine. Fairey's impact extended beyond the United States, resonating in cities like London, New York, and Detroit.

Moreover, Fairey's artistic journey intersects with the realms of education, having attended the Idyllwild Arts Academy, nurturing his creative spirit. His prominence and influence continue to shape contemporary street art, earning recognition not only in the U.S. but also internationally, including acknowledgment from institutions like the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston.