Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Shepard Fairey @ the Corcoran

I'm so glad I had the opportunity to hear Shepard Fairey speak at the Corcoran this past Friday. Referring to himself as a "social commentary artist," he came across as witty, humble and somewhat idealistic. Sensitive to the criticism he has received for "selling out," he emphasized that his major goal is to create provocative art that is "accessible to the public." The money he has earned through his work as a graphic designer, he explained, has gone largely to fiance the street art he creates. Street art is an act of defiance, he reiterated, as all street artists risk arrest in getting their work out. And although this was not mentioned, Fairey seems well aware of the privileges his race and class confer upon him.

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