Shepard Fairey (b. 1970)
Shepard Fairey is one of the most influential contemporary artists of his generation, seamlessly bridging the worlds of street art, activism, and fine art collecting. Rising to fame with his 1989 “Andre the Giant Has a Posse” campaign — later refined into the globally recognised “Obey” brand — Fairey’s instantly identifiable aesthetic blends bold graphic design, political messaging, and cultural iconography. His work is held in major museum collections worldwide, yet remains deeply connected to his roots in skate culture and guerrilla art. The 2008 “Hope” poster of Barack Obama propelled him into the global spotlight, cementing his position as a defining voice of modern visual culture.
For collectors, Fairey’s appeal lies not only in his unmistakable style but also in the cultural weight his works carry. His pieces have become symbols of social and political engagement, with editions and originals consistently sought after on the international market. From his early street campaigns to his “We the People” series, Fairey’s art continues to spark conversation and command attention in galleries, auctions, and private collections alike. Owning a Shepard Fairey is not just acquiring a work of art — it is securing a piece of cultural history.