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Shepard Fairey (Obey)

Swan Song, Version 2

Mixed

Canvas

Frame Included

Unique Work

147,3 cm x 223,5 cm

2024

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The artwork

Obey - Swan Song, Version 2

Swan Song, Version 2 (2024) is a unique work on paper by Shepard Fairey, known as Obey, measuring 147.3×223.5 cm. Created using mixed media including collage, screen printing, and painting, the work features a complex and layered composition that reflects the artist’s visual approach, strongly influenced by propaganda graphics, pop culture, and social activism.

At the center of the composition stands the portrait of an African American woman with defined features and an intense gaze, adorned with a flower in her hair. The figure is surrounded by a modular structure of geometric patterns, decorative elements, and symbolic references. On the left, oil rigs and an industrial skyline contrast with ocean waves and natural motifs on the right, evoking the tension between environmental exploitation and ecological harmony.

Textual elements such as “‘Alarming’ trend for the planet” and “Desert Today, Ocean Tomorrow” reinforce the work’s critical message regarding climate change, environmental crisis, and corporate responsibility. The vibrant color palette—red, blue, yellow, and black—guides the visual reading and enhances the expressive power of the message.

Swan Song, Version 2 is part of Fairey’s most recent body of work, confirming his ability to merge aesthetics and political content. The piece invites viewers to reflect on the connections between social inequality, climate emergency, and consumption patterns, reaffirming art’s role as a tool for awareness and resistance.

Obey, Swan Song, Version 2: prices and value

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SHEPARD FAIREY (OBEY)

Shepard Fairey, known by the pseudonym Obey, was born in 1970 in Charleston, South Carolina. From a young age, he showed a strong inclination for design and urban art, developing a particular interest in punk and hip hop culture. In 1992, he earned a degree in Illustration and Graphic Design from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), laying the groundwork for an artistic career that would revolutionize the world of street art.

The beginning of the career: the “Obey Giant” project.

Fairey's notoriety began in 1989, when he launched the famous “André the Giant Has a Posse” project, a viral campaign based on the distribution of stickers, posters and stencils depicting the face of wrestler André the Giant.

This operation, which took hold on the streets of Providence and quickly spread internationally, evolved into the broader “Obey Giant”, a movement that plays with the concept of propaganda and the power of the media, drawing inspiration from the principles of George Orwell's theory of social control.

The artistic style and political message

Obey's visual language is characterized by iconic graphics, strong color contrasts, and direct messages, often influenced by 20th-century political propaganda.

His works combine elements of Soviet constructivism, pop art and street art, with a strong activist and social connotation. Shepard Fairey addresses crucial issues such as human rights, social justice, climate change, and pacifism, becoming a landmark in engaged art.

Worldwide success: the “Hope” poster and the consecration

The turning point in Fairey's career came in 2008, when he created the famous “Hope” poster for Barack Obama's election campaign.

The image, depicting the stylized face of the then U.S. presidential candidate, became one of the most iconic visual symbols of contemporary politics, solidifying the artist's global reputation. His work is recognized not only by the art world, but also by the media and politics.

Shepard Fairey's art in museums and galleries

Today, Obey's works are exhibited in some of the world's most prestigious art institutions, including:

Victoria & Albert Museum, London
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Parallel to his museum exhibitions, he continues to create murals and public installations, taking his message to the streets of major cities around the world.

Shepard Fairey today: between activism and new creations

In addition to his artistic activity, Fairey is heavily involved in social and environmental initiatives. He collaborates with NGOs and humanitarian organizations to raise awareness of crucial issues, using his art as a tool for change.

His vision and style continue to evolve, confirming him as one of the most influential artists on the contemporary scene.

Shepard FAirey (Obey): Works for sale with prices and value from Wunderkammern

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Shipping and delivery

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