Fairey Isms

A revealing collection of quotations from the world-renowned artist and political activist behind the iconic Obama “Hope” poster and the “Obey Giant” street-art campaign

Shepard Fairey is one of today’s most important and influential street artists, activists, and graphic designers. His instantly recognizable designs—“André the Giant has a Posse,” “Obey Giant,” the Obama “Hope” poster, and the “We the People” posters for the 2017 Women’s March—have become an indelible part of visual culture, appearing in countless media, including stickers, stencils, prints, T-shirts, album covers, murals, and fine art. Fairey-isms is a compelling collection of quotations from this fascinating artist. Gathered from interviews, articles, and other sources, these quotations offer rich insights about his life and work, including his thoughts on art, creativity, politics, and propaganda and his reflections on his influences—from skateboarding, The Clash, and Public Enemy to Russian Constructivism and artists such as Futura, Barbara Kruger, and Andy Warhol.

• “I use the word ‘Obey’ in much of my art as a form of reverse psychology. Though most people wish they were independent, many obediently follow the path of least resistance and are uncomfortable with confronting the word ‘Obey.’”
• “Any message that’s worth delivering can be amplified with art.”
• “I called my work propaganda out of an understanding that there’s an irony, because every piece of visual communication has an agenda. Any of it could be called propaganda.”
• “Repetition works.”