NINETEENEIGHTYPHORIA

Arch manipulator, scoundrel, chief propagandist, provocateur, Shepard Fairey is the man many hail as the originator of the modern urban art scene and is an undeniable phenomenon. First coming to prominence in 1989 with his now ubiquitous ‘Obey Giant’ sticker campaign, the self styled phenomenologist has since gone on to become one of the most recognisable artists of the early 2000’s.

His work, a mixture of parody and protest, serves to subvert the very medium to which it attaches itself. Wall paper posters adorn advertising billboards that in his own words ‘market nothingness’ while large scale posters with the simple one word message ‘obey’ stir the bewildered masses. His unique use of stencils, collage, photography and painting have led to collaborations with among others, DJ Shadow, Interpol, Smashing Pumpkins and more recently the poster art for the Johnny Cash biopic, ‘Walk the Line’.

In more than a passing reference to the surveillance culture of Orwell’s 1984, Shepard brings his new exhibition ‘NINETEENEIGHTYPHORIA’ to London’s StolenSpace. Comprised of a range of artworks, from large scale multi media installations to smaller album screen prints Shepard’s artwork both scrutinises and distorts the narrative of the modern American Dream. Commenting on underpinnings of what Shepard terms the ‘capitalist machine’, it aims to critique those who support blind nationalism and war. Fairey addresses monolithic institutional authority, the role of counter culture, and independent individuals who question the cultural paradigm.

StolenSpace exhibits the artwork of a genre yet defined, influences from skateboard graphics, graffiti, illustration, comic books and tattoo art prevail in the often controversial work by these infamous and unknown artists who’s work embraces the urban environment and aesthetic, influenced by these underground subcultures where there are few rules and anything is possible. StolenSpace lets in the life-giving vitality of this environment that has been overlooked by galleries and museums for so long.

Shepard Fairey - ‘NineteenEightyPhoria’
2nd - 18th November 2007
Stolen Space
Old Truman Brewery
91 Brick Lane
London E1 6QL