Shepard Fairey - Text and Image

Text and Image in Art

Arguably the most mainstream principal of postmodern art, text and image can be seen everywhere, literally. This principal reaches far and wide into almost every medium of communication whether that be politics, advertising, or entertainment (memes). Of all of the principals of postmodernism, text and image might just be the easiest to implement. All you need to do is take some form of art and somehow implement texts onto the work. However simple it may be, text and image is also very effective. The effectiveness of text and image is also why its used so commonly. If you want to send a message, simply attract an audience with the artwork and place your message on top of it. The audience will be sure to see your message as well as your art.

Shepard Fairey - Background

Shepard Fairey was born on February 15, 1970 in Charleston, South Carolina. Fairey graduated from Idyllwild Arts Academy in Palm Springs, California in 1988. He acquired his Bachelors of Fine Arts from Rhode Island School of Design in 1992. Fairey was big into skateboarding while an art student. This got him interested in stickers and later full on street art.

Shepard Fairey - Obey Icon

This image is one that Shepard Fairey has duplicated an excessive amount of times. The reason for doing so, to create perceived power. This perceived power has allowed Fairey to create an entire clothing line with this brand name. The face on this image is the face of previous pro wrestler Andre the Giant. Using the art of repetition and perceived power Fairey was able to make a name for himself with this text and image. This is a textbook example of text and image being used to send a message. In this case the message is an ironic one that plays a joke on the consumers. Obey to me is a very interesting and entertaining sociological experiment that plays with propaganda. For my work specifically, this piece inspires me to send a message. All of Shepard Fairey's works have a message behind them but this is one of the most powerful. I see this as a warning against ignorance. If we as a collective allow the government to control and dictate our lives we will lose our freedom. I consider this message to be extremely relevant to the society of today and would love to use it in a future project.

Shepard Fairey - Eye

"Eye" is a piece that also holds the same message as the previous work. However, this work is much more straight forward. Eye contains a very totalitarian government like message. The message is, "Obey, never trust your own eyes believe what you are told". This takes the previous message and further elaborates upon it. Instead of simply obey now your also told to not trust your own eyes. This goes along with the whole thought process of denial of free will. You are no longer able to think for yourself because the government does the thinking for you. This piece inspires me in the way that it is structured visually. The lines and arrows point your eyes toward the eye that stares back at you. The message involving "eyes" is pointed at the eyeball itself. The message is linked with the visual of the eye very noticeably. This connection furthers the viewers understanding of what is being conveyed, control. The eyeball stares directly at the viewer with a look of fear or tension. The fear conveyed through the visual brings us a sense of concern or dread. Coupled with the use of bright red and high contrast we are able to receive the darker message. The way that the visual speaks the message is the most important part of this work I would like to implement.

 

Shepard Fairey - Make Art Not War

Unlike the previous two messages this one is not ironic. The message here is just as it is stated "Make art not war". The way we as the viewer are able to discern this is by looking at the woman. The woman in this piece is giving a look of authenticity. If we look at her eyes we are not seeing the fear from the last work. Her face and all that surrounds her is in formal balance, which conveys peace and equilibrium. Similar to the last work her eyes look at the viewer. Her stare makes it appear almost as though she's weighing us on a scale. On one side is art and the other side is war. She is simply trying to see which way the scale tips in the viewers case. This causes the viewer to reflect inward and ask themselves which side they are on. What I focus on in this image is the balance that is created. Formal balance shots are some of my absolute favorites to look at. All the more so if the balance relates to the message. We're being told that if we create art we will create equilibrium. Formal balance is something that I would love to focus on in my own work. Also the way that the woman's face is in bright, full light sets the tone as positive. Lighting for tone is crucial for creating coherent work, and it is something that I will learn more about with each work I produce.