Shepard Fairey Creates Murals in Dallas with Dallas Contemporary, Discusses Art and Rebellion
In February 2012, Shepard Fairey, famed for his 2008 Obama Hope posters, traveled to Dallas, Texas, at the invitation of Dallas Contemporary. During his week-long stay, he created five murals and interacted with the community. To celebrate the completion of the murals, a dance party was held where Fairey took on the role of DJ. On February 2, he engaged in an interview with curator Pedro Alonzo, which attracted an audience of 560, including 500 newcomers. Fairey discussed the broader impact of outdoor art and shared his punk influences, such as The Clash. His murals conveyed themes like 'Peace' and 'Rise Above,' while he addressed concerns about commercialism, likening himself to Keith Haring and highlighting the event’s role in fostering community dialogue on artistic values.
Key facts
- Shepard Fairey painted five murals in Dallas in early February 2012
- Dallas Contemporary invited Fairey and hosted an interview with curator Pedro Alonzo on February 2
- Approximately 500 of 560 attendees were first-time visitors to Dallas Contemporary
- Fairey discussed his punk influences, including The Clash, and their impact on his social consciousness
- Murals featured messages like 'Peace' and 'Rise Above' to balance inspiration and confrontation
- Fairey argued that resonating widely, as with Nirvana, does not mean selling out
- He compared his merchandising approach to Keith Haring's Pop shops for affordable art
- The exhibition generated positive feedback from the Dallas community through emails and calls
Entities
Artists
- Shepard Fairey
- Keith Haring
Institutions
- Dallas Contemporary
- D
Locations
- Dallas
- Texas
- United States