Contradiction in Terms: Shepard Fairey

Some thoughtful press agent forwarded me this video interview with Shepard Fairey of Obama poster fame talking about art and activism. Click here if the video doesn't work.

How does his marketing campaign for Saks fit into this spiel?

Kudos to Mr. Fairey for his excellent graphic design. As for his activism, the less videos made, the better.

'Buddha' Obama on W. 19th St

I saw this mural on 19th Street between 9th and 10th Avenue Saturday, the day I learned that President Obama had been given a Nobel Peace Prize. It struck me as an example of how Obama has captured the public imagination. He's got a lot to live up to.

Shepard Fairey: Over Exposed and Over It

Shepard Fairey. You've heard the name, I've heard the name. We've seen the posters, read about the ad campaign for department store Saks. Lord knows we've heard about the recent Obama photograph debacle.

Look at the art. We get it. Nothing more need be said. Or even done by him. There's a website that can do his art for you. (Note the website is pretty neat.) Never want to hear the name again, nor see another person's internet photo Obama-ized.

Pardon me, am I ranting? If so, only because as an artist his recent work in itself is not that interesting.

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There. I said it.