Obey: The Art of Shepard Fairey

A thematic overview of work from the protagonist of street-inspired, politically savvy graphic art

Shepard Fairey is the artist behind the moniker Obey, best known for designing the iconic HOPE poster from Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. Obey’s work is distinguished by an essential and bold style with a minimalist palette guided by the hip-hop and punk cultures that taught the artist to question social conventions. The book is divided into sections, each centered around the most representative themes of Fairey’s art: propaganda; peace and justice; environment; music; and new works.

The book begins with a section dedicated to propaganda, featuring some of the artist’s most significant images on this theme, beginning with HOPE. It then continues through works in the peace and justice section in which, through the power of images, Obey draws attention to issues such as human rights, abuse of power, war and peace. In the environment section, the artist presents works that remind us of the importance of community in safeguarding our planet. The artist’s universal message also finds expression in the section devoted to music and its universality and accessibility. The monograph concludes with a section featuring new works by the artist, executed between 2021 and 2024.

Los Angeles–based artist Shepard Fairey (born 1970) is considered a leading figure in both contemporary street art and street style alike. Many of his designs, such as his 1989 sticker campaign featuring an image of André the Giant and the text "Obey" or his 2008 portrait of Barack Obama with the caption "Hope," are instantly recognizable the world over.