Monday, November 9, 2009

Thinking Positively



I was walking along 23rd Street when my eye was caught by a poster of what was clearly a Shepard Fairey work. Before you let out a groan, let me quickly reiterate that I've always been a fan of Shepard's art. That was what drew me in to researching his sources in the first place. But let bygones be bygones. I love this piece and the way Shepard creates a ground of collaged old newspapers to add depth and resonance to the simplicity of his graphics. (Click on the picture above to see it in more detail.)

The work is currently on display at Deitch Projects in Soho - part of Stage 09 - a benefit exhibition with all the proceeds going to Lance Armstrong's LiveStrong Foundation. For a quick online view of the full exhibition click here.

Oh, and I nearly forgot, as you can see from the detail below, Shepard is now crediting his photographic sources. In this case, Los Angeles wedding photographer Dina Douglass of Andrena Photography. This link is obviously to a different picture than the one Shepard used, but it's all good positive stuff!






4 comments:

Martini said...

Dare I say that you, and the tiny little law suit are now making him credit his sources.

A fellow blogger recently took a picture of his work: http://citizencouture.com/2009/10/street-inspiration-shepard-fairey/

I don't believe Fairey credit his source in the above, but, especially in Boston, I've definitely noticed the ubiquity of his work.

Joe Holmes said...

Wow, a gorgeous piece. Crediting the source takes nothing away from the art.

And did Fairey always sign his work? I don't remember ever seeing a signature before.

Letterpress said...

I wanted to comment on your mention in the NTTimes, but the comment function is not operating correctly.

So, congrats on the nice mention in the NYTimes! I loved seeing all these athletes--so fresh, so *there* if I may resort to slang. Dorothy Hamill in particular reminds me that I had to have a haircut just like her--as did all my friends. The wedge, and her pixie face: perfect! Thanks.

Dave said...

You should also read the photographer's story - getting that credit was harder than it should have been.