Shepard Fairey has long been a prominent figure in political activism through his art, with a career spanning over thirty years. His work gained widespread recognition with the HOPE (2008) poster, which became an iconic symbol of Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. Fairey’s dedication to political and social issues was further evident with his “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité” piece, created in response to the 2016 terrorist attacks in France.
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election draws near, Fairey has unveiled his latest work, titled “FORWARD (2024).” In an Instagram post, Fairey articulated the significance of this piece, asserting, “We have a very real opportunity to move forward. If we act, we can advance our goals for a healthier planet, corporate accountability, equality, and justice, while addressing racism, sexism, xenophobia, and homophobia.”
Fairey has stated that he is not receiving financial compensation for this project and was not commissioned to create the artwork. His motivation stems from a genuine desire to contribute to a better future. The “FORWARD” poster is a testament to his commitment to fostering positive change, aligning with the upcoming U.S. presidential election scheduled for November 5, 2024.
