Shepard Fairey’s ‘Make Art Not War’ is a riff on the 1960s anti-war slogan “Make love, not war.” Its highly-stylised aesthetic also references that era, where psychedelic and hippie art too used Art Nouveau motifs. Rather than centered around love however, Fairey’s iteration is a declaration about the power of creativity and its ability to combat the darkest parts of humanity.

Like the art of the 1960s, ‘Make Art Not War’ is unabashedly optimistic and political – not all is lost, it declares. The presence of paintbrushes, arranged like spears on a coat of arms however, propels Fairey beyond mere well wishes. There is a pointedness to his work, a call to act after the flower crowns are off, to “obey” his message.

Fairey is a world-renowned contemporary artist. He is best known for his propagandist image of Barack Obama popularised during the 2008 election. The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, calls him one of the most influential street artists alive. For collectors of contemporary prints, street art and those who believe in the power of art, ‘Mark Art Not War’ is the work for you.

Artisanally framed in Victorian ash, it will add an edge to your space.
 

Shepard FAIREY (1970 - )
'Make Art Not War'
lithograph on paper
Image Size: 91 x 61 cm
Framed Dimensions: 95 x 65 x 4 cm
Signed: Signed by the artist
Comes with a Letter of Provenance 

Condition: Excellent

(c) Shepard Fairey / Copyright Agency 2023