Artwork information

Category

Print

Technique

Screen print on paper

Date

2024

Dimensions

91.4 cm x 61 cm

Signature

Signed

Proof(s) of authenticity

Work sold with a certificate of authenticity.

State of conservation

Very good

Framing

No

Location

Rhône-Alpes, France

Description

A Cracked Icon, 36 x 24 inches - 91.4 x 61 cm
Screen print on thick cream Speckletone paper.
Signed by Shepard Fairey. Numbered edition of 550 prints.


"This screen print, 'A Cracked Icon,' references one of my favorite musicians, David Bowie, and his song 'Cracked Actor.' I'm fascinated by how we deal with fragmentation and mutation, trying to often to conceive a resolved whole from disparate parts. I was first intrigued by the improbable juxtapositions of images produced by posters torn in the street, revealing parts of images unrelated to each other, interacting along organic torn edges. Sometimes the serendipitous placement of a tear can make two images feel like they are meant to be in conversation. I think our brains seek harmony even in obvious transgressions . We are all full of conflicting impulses and our ego often determines the things we justify from moment to moment. Bowie was constantly exploring ideas of ego, fame, identity and evolution, and I therefore think this image is both a pleasing visual and a provocation to consider the tension between harmony and conflict, competition and collaboration. Bowie embarked on the collaboration adventure with great success, so I hope he would have appreciated this image and this tribute!" - Shepard Fairey

Provenance

Obey Studio

The artist

Painter
Drawer

Shepard Fairey (OBEY)

Famous artistFamous artist
Painter
Drawer
Born in 1970
United States

Bio

Shepard Fairey, known as Obey, was born on February 15, 1970 in Charleston in the United States.

From an early age, he has been passionate about drawing. He is also passionate about skateboarding. At the age of 14, he drew images for t-shirts and skateboards.

Obey is very influenced by Andy Warhol and Alexander Rodchenko. At the end of the 80s, he invented the famous Obey symbol thanks to a poster campaign with a bunch of friends.

His art became world famous thanks to his Hope poster which became Barack Obama's campaign poster in 2008. The artist is now considered one of the pillars of international street art.

5 things to know about Shepard Fairey

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