The iconic “Hope” portrait of Barack Obama’s candidacy for the US Presidency in 2008 was perhaps the culmination and ultimate validation of Shepard Fairey’s passion, career and creativity.

In 1989, back in Charleston, South Carolina, USA, Fairey was attending the Rhode Island School of Design when he tapped into an image and stencil of a World Wrestling Federation (WWF) professional wrestler named Andre the Giant. With this, the “André the Giant Has a Posse 7’4″, 520lb” street art movement was born. The campaign was linked from Martin Heidegger’s concept of phenomenology as it was a parody and inside joke directed towards hip hop and skater subcultures. Later on, the “OBEY” slogan was adopted as homage to the “OBEY” signs found in the 1988 John Carpenter cult classic film, “They Live”. Thus, the “OBEY GIANT” platform was born.

From 1997-2003, Fairey, along with Dave Kinsey and Philip DeWolff, founded the design studio BLK/MRKT Inc. focusing on guerilla marketing and high impact campaigns.

In 2001, OBEY clothing was launched as an opportunity for Fairey to expand his creativity. Together with designers Mike Ternosky and Erin Wignall, OBEY clothing translates art and personal influences into a fashion line that transcends many cultures. Today, OBEY clothing is sold in over 20 countries worldwide.

In 2003, Fairey and his wife Amanda started the Studio Number One design agency. The company produced works for the Black Eyed Peas’ Monkey Business album, Smashing Pumpkins’ Zeitgeist album and the “Walk the Line” film poster.

Recently, Fairey created a series of posters supporting Barack Obama’s candidacy. He created an exclusive design for “Rock the Vote” along with two distinct images, “Change” and “Vote”, for the official Barack Obama campaign. Although a non-legitimate use, the iconic “Hope” portrait of Obama marked not only Fairey’s creative and most influential contribution in pop culture but also one of the most recognizable symbols and milestones in American and world history.

Jean Culture: Designer Jeans Source. Denim Brand Names.
Credit and Source Link:
www.obeyclothing.com

Related Posts and Links:

• OBEY Clothing 2012 Spring Womens Lookbook
• OBEY Clothing 2012 Spring Mens Lookbook
• OBEY Clothing 2011 Holiday Womens Lookbook
• OBEY Clothing 2011 Holiday Mens Lookbook
• OBEY Clothing 2011 Fall Womens Lookbook
• OBEY Clothing 2011 Fall Mens Lookbook

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