Shepard Fairey

Shepard Fairey, whose birth name is Frank Shepard Fairey, was born on February 15, 1970, in Charleston, South Carolina. He pursued his studies at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and graduated in 1992.

While at RISD, Fairey initiated the "Andre the Giant Has a Posse" sticker campaign. This effort subsequently led to the creation of the "OBEY Giant" movement.

In 2001, Fairey started OBEY Clothing. The brand reflects themes present in his artwork and has become recognized in the streetwear industry.

Fairey is also known for designing the "Hope" poster during Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. The poster gained significant attention, leading to a copyright dispute with the Associated Press. The matter was settled in 2011.

Throughout his career, Fairey's artwork has touched on various social and political topics. He has faced legal challenges related to his art, particularly concerning copyright and the placement of his street art.

His works have been exhibited in several institutions, including the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.