Fairey is barely the only modern print artist that uses borrowed iconography, and you can make your own assessments of that regarding its level of “art” to you, but that is the circular argument that is posed with every new genre. Is J-Dilla not a genius because he sampled Diana Ross or Luther Vandross? But again, its Art, like it or not. You like it, you don’t.
Its obvious my opinion is that its not only the (in some case subtle) changes he made from his original subject, but its the context in which he borrows it which makes the statement. I am not a lawyer so I don’t know the legality of so obviously borrowing from other artistic entities but its still beautiful and its still relevant. Isn’t that your elementary definition of art?
I wouldn’t consider shepard fairey that great of an artist, but more of an incredebile designer. Using other’s ideas to influence and create your own ideas is a really big part of design.
1
January 21, 2008
nice
his work kinda resembles the led zepplin ”mothership” album art, or may of done it
2
January 21, 2008
Adrian, Good eye. Shepard Fairey did do the Zepplin “Mothership” cover.
3
January 26, 2008
yeah, he’s a genius. Do you happen to know how you could make a Shepard(esque) image with photoshop? that would be fun.
4
January 26, 2008
Oh My….jes!
5
January 28, 2008
Read this, it will totally change your perception of his work:
http://www.art-for-a-change.com/Obey/index.htm
6
January 28, 2008
Wow Pete..Thanx.
That’s pretty bad. I guess no credit is given where it is due.
I like his work, but this critique seems deserved.
I haven’t read the whole article, so with the risk of being redundant; Does anybody know if Fairey has ever been confronted with these facts?
Cheers
7
January 29, 2008
I read the article myself. Shepard Fairey is amazing, and and I think very well aware of his references, and what his ‘borrowing’ implies.
The author of that essay has such a sadly limited view of art.
8
January 30, 2008
Mad respect for this guy
9
January 30, 2008
Great Stuff!
http://www.banksyunmasked.co.uk
10
February 1, 2008
I think Ricky Powell helped them out in the early days!
http://www.scion.com/broadband/index.html?ch=0&sh=4&ep=10
11
February 2, 2008
Plagiarism?
Check it:
http://www.art-for-a-change.com/Obey/index.htm
12
April 20, 2008
Fairey is barely the only modern print artist that uses borrowed iconography, and you can make your own assessments of that regarding its level of “art” to you, but that is the circular argument that is posed with every new genre. Is J-Dilla not a genius because he sampled Diana Ross or Luther Vandross? But again, its Art, like it or not. You like it, you don’t.
Its obvious my opinion is that its not only the (in some case subtle) changes he made from his original subject, but its the context in which he borrows it which makes the statement. I am not a lawyer so I don’t know the legality of so obviously borrowing from other artistic entities but its still beautiful and its still relevant. Isn’t that your elementary definition of art?
13
September 8, 2008
I wouldn’t consider shepard fairey that great of an artist, but more of an incredebile designer. Using other’s ideas to influence and create your own ideas is a really big part of design.
14
November 30, 2008
Yeah Great Stuff.
http://www.canvastown.com
15
February 2, 2009
I was interested in shepard and plagarism claims and found this today!
http://www.supertouchart.com/2009/02/02/editorial-the-medium-is-the-message-shepard-fairey-and-the-art-of-appropriation/
Very interesting read!