From feminist activist Angela Davis to iconic symbols of peace amid political upheaval, Shepard Fairey is known for his bold illustrations and instantly recognizable posters. He rose to prominence within the world of street art and skateboarding culture, creating a sticker in 1989 with the phrase “Andre the Giant has a posse,” which was distributed widely and led to a recurring motif of the wrestler’s face on dozens of subsequent prints.

Fairey’s graphic motifs hit the mainstream in 2008 during Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, in which his portrait sits above the word “hope.” The optimistic work exemplifies how grassroots activism, especially through the form of printing and sharing imagery, can become iconic and have immense influence.

a red, black, and white poster by Shepard Fairey of Angela Davis above the words "power & equality"“Afrocentric (Red)” (2007), screenprint on paper, 24 x 18 inches

Out of Print, a retrospective of Fairey’s work presented by Beyond the Streets, celebrates what the gallery calls “the rebellious, democratic force of ink and paper.” More than 400 prints designed over the past few decades are joined by new works. Many of the posters emphasize his interest in activism, empowerment, and protest. His subversive practice, known as Obey Giant, even has a slogan: “Manufacturing quality dissent since 1989.”

Fairey often incorporates the color schemes and modernist, graphic motifs of early 20th-century propaganda posters, especially of the Soviet Union. By incorporating design motifs associated with fascism into messages of peace, feminism, love, and democracy, he reinforces the power of the medium. “Some people say digital media has ended print, but the provocative, tactile experience of a print on a wall or in the wild can’t be replaced,” Fairey says. “Printing still matters!”

The exhibition runs from November 15 to January 11 in Los Angeles. Learn more on the gallery’s website, follow updates on Fairey’s Instagram, and purchase prints in his shop.

a red, black, and white poster by Shepard Fairey of a power fist in front of a star, with the word 'OBEY'“Fist” (2000), screenprint on paper, 24 x 18 inches

a red, black, and white poster by Shepard Fairey of a man's silhouette, carrying a rifle with a flower at the end of the barrel“Visual Disobedience” (2004), screenprint on paper, 24 x 18 inches

a red, black, and white poster by Shepard Fairey of a woman holding her hands up, with the words "war for sale, no thank you"“War For Sale (Red)” (2007), screenprint on paper, 24 x 18 inches

a red, black, and white poster by Shepard Fairey of a hand holding a medallion, and the words "high time for peace"“High Time for Peace” (2005), screenprint on paper, 24 x 18 inches

a red, black, and white poster by Shepard Fairey of three rifles being held up toward the sky, with roses coming out of their barrels“Guns and Roses” (2006), screenprint on paper, 24 x 18 inches

a red, black, and white poster by Shepard Fairey of a woman with a hat on and a face covering“Mujer Fatale” (2007), screenprint on paper, 24 x 18 inches

a red, black, and white poster by Shepard Fairey of Angela Davis“Panther Power” (2007), screenprint on paper, 24 x 18 inches

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