Spoken Like A True Artist

Shepard Fairey, the celebrated American street artist, graphic designer, activist and visionary behind Obey Clothing, on expressing hope through creativity.

- Woo Hoi Yuet

RENOWNED FOR HIS distinctive visual style characterised by bold geometric motifs, Shepard Fairey’s journey from the skateboarding scene to global stardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. His initial recognition stemmed from the iconic Andre the Giant Has a Posse street art campaign, and his evolving artistic vision, synonymous with hope itself, achieved further international acclaim through the iconic Hope poster during Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.

Last October, Fairey held his debut solo exhibition in Southeast Asia, titled The Future is Unwritten, in Singapore at Opera Gallery. The works on display underscored his belief in art’s transformative power to ignite change and forge a better future. In a world often marred by uncertainty, his works seek to kindle empathy and harness the power of hope, inviting viewers to confront the turmoil far too often concealed beneath the surface. Transcending overt social and political narratives, his art delves into deeper symbolic themes centred around the unity and interconnectedness of humanity.

We caught up with him to delve into his artistic philosophy, motivations and steadfast commitment to activism, offering readers a closer look at the driving force behind his creative journey.

What is it like to be you?

Well, I don’t know what it’s like to be anyone else. I would describe myself as being very driven to make art, to be creative and to address things in the world that matter to me. What’s it like to be me? I’m pretty intense. But I also feel very fortunate. I feel very lucky to be creative for a living. I feel lucky that I work with lots of amazing people. I feel lucky that I’m married to someone who’s a great partner in life and business.