Fotografiska opened Shepard Fairey exhibition with artist talk & party at the 'Photo Synthesis' hall

Ringvaade 31.10, ERR

Shepard Fairey is one of the most sought-after and provocative artists globally, changing the way people converse about art and view the urban landscape. Fairey's work is politically charged and rich in symbolism, and his creations, often in collaboration with musicians, filmmakers, and activists, have embedded his art into the fabric of popular culture. In an increasingly fragmented world, Shepard Fairey's art remains as relevant as ever, sparking vital conversations and driving meaningful change.

In 1989, while at Rhode Island School of Design studying for his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration, he created the "Andre the Giant has a Posse" sticker that later evolved into the OBEY GIANT art campaign. In 2008, his portrait of then-Democratic candidate Barack Obama became an internationally recognized emblem of hope. He is also known for the “We The People” campaign debuted during the 2017 Women’s Marches worldwide.

31.10 Artist Talk: Shepard Fairey

Shepard Fairey's exhibition at Fotografiska featured several pre-opening events, including an opportunity to meet the artist. On Thursday, October 31st, at 7 PM, an opening talk took place, where street art and activism were discussed with Shepard Fairey, alongside Kadri Lind and Sirla, the organizers of the Estonian street art festival Stencibility.

In Shepard Fairey's solo exhibition, the artist's captivating world unfolds, transcending the usual boundaries of street art to embody potent symbols of activism and societal reflection. A central theme of the exhibition is the role of photography throughout Fairey's artistic journey — much of his work is deeply intertwined with photography and enhanced by various artistic techniques such as graphic design, illustration, painting, and masterful printmaking, including relief and screen printing.

The result is a distinctive and powerful photography that is conveyed through diverse media, creating a unique and compelling synergy of art forms.

Artist Talk in full lenght:

1.11 Shepard Fairey exhibition „Photo Synthesis“ opening party. On stage: NKN, Chalice & Tommyboy, DJ Lauri Täht

For the first time ever, Shepard Fairey's solo exhibition features the portrait of Kamala Harris titled "Forward."

The workweek was brought to an exciting close with a wild rap party on the evening of November 1st in Shepard Fairey's exhibition hall. After many years, Chalice & Tommyboy reunited on stage, while the rap group NKN delivered sharp and provocative underground lyrics. DJ Lauri Täht kept the beats going throughout the night, and Shepard Fairey himself kicked off the event.

Lauri Täht presented Shepard Fairey with a curated selection of Estonian music vinyls to complement the artist's extensive music collection.

Fotografiska x VLND burger

For the opening week, VLND Burger created a special "Obey" burger inspired by Shepard Fairey's place of origin, Carolina, which the artist himself also had the chance to taste. Tallinn was fully immersed in the street art vibe.

Exhibition „Photo Synthesis“ in Tallinn until 2025

"If it's in a gallery, then it's gallery art. I create street art – large murals, illegal paste-ups, stencils, stickers – but I also make art intended for galleries. I aim to use every available platform to reach as many people as possible. Saying you're a street artist and questioning why you hold an exhibition in a gallery is like being a musician who performs live and asking why you recorded an album. Sure, music on Spotify or a CD doesn't have the same energy, but both have their place and value." – Shepard Fairey, Eesti Ekspress, October 30th.

Podcast hosted by Christian Veske in full lenght: