‘E Pluribus Venom’ is the title of Shepard’s most ambitious art exhibit to date and it debuted this month to the masses in NYC, but for him and the rest of the crew, the REAL theme of the past few months was ‘Veni Vidi, Vici’. Not only did we ‘conquer’, but we survived, and THAT was an even taller order. Consecutive long, looong work nights that literally turned into days were mixed alongside non-stop press interviews, subway commutes, taxi cab rides, curious neighborhood passer-byes, DUMBO street lurkers, and art world guests from around the world (and elsewhere).

‘Failure was NOT an option’ (as Shepard’s father would say) and we did NOT fail. Materializing this project wouldn’t have been possible without the small army of co-workers, managers, employees, interns and assistants; there are many we must thank personally- Jonathan Levine and all of his incredible staff, Michael Petrovich, Dan Flores, Stuart Noble, Ernesto Yerena and countless more Studio Number One interns. Our support staff back home in the LA offices-Tina Soikkeli, Jaspr Baj, Russell Varner, and Olivia Perches. Volunteer troopers like Kyle Oldereup, Delphine Ettinger, Kevin Taylor and Todd Schwartz also helped immensely. Adam Wallacavage and Andrew Clark from Curio Wallcoverings were responsible for the amazing flocked patterns at the DUMBO space.

We are really proud of this accomplishment, so get out to see the Jonathan LeVine Gallery in Chelsea (until July 21st) and the especially the temporary space in DUMBO (until July 7th) while you can.

-Jason Filipow

http://www.jonathanlevinegallery.com/shepardfairey/

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JONATHAN LEVINE GALLERY
E PLURIBUS VENOM

NEW WORKS BY SHEPARD FAIREY

Opening Reception Saturday, June 23rd from 6-9 pm
Exhibition is on view from June 23rd to July 23rd 2007
phone: (212) 243 3822

www.jonathanlevinegallery.com

The title “E Pluribus Venom” which translates “Out of many, poison” is derived from “E Pluribus Unum” (out of many, one) an early motto adopted by the U.S. Government which appears on U.S. coins and dollar bills. In the opinion of artist Shepard Fairey, many becoming one, or a loss of power and influence of the individual in favor of homogeny is a symptom of a society in decline. “E Pluribus Venom” could be interpreted as saying both that there is poison in the American system, and that many individuals are motivated by venom and anger toward this system. “E Pluribus Venom” is comprised of artworks designed to question the symbols and methods of the American machine and American dream and also celebrate those who oppose blind nationalism and war. Some of Fairey’s works use currency motifs or a Norman Rockwell aesthetic to employ the graphic language of the subjects they critique. Other works use a blend of Art Nouveau, hippie, and revolutionary propaganda styles to celebrate subjects advocating peace. The art addresses monolithic institutional power and authority and the role of counter culture and independent individuals to question the dominant paradigm. Shepard Fairey’s new body of work contains politically-charged paint, screen print, stencil, and collage mixed media pieces which use metaphor, humor, and seductive decorative elements to deliver provocative but beautiful results. These works blur the perceived barriers between propaganda and escapist decoration, political responsibility and humor with the intent of stimulating both viscerally and intellectually.

UPDATES!!!
Just to let everyone know, this going to be a landmark show… We aren’t taking any shorts when it comes to Shepard’s NYC return! Get ready, we are announcing a SECOND SPACE for the exhibition. The second space is located in DUMBO, Brooklyn. For more information on the DUMBO Space hit the link the below. This exhibition is absolutely something not to be missed!

http://www.jonathanlevinegallery.com/shepardfairey/

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We are having are summer sample sale again. Don’t sleep on this.

OBEY Clothing summer sample sale
Friday, June 15th from 9am - 7pm
Saturday, June 16th from 9am - 5pm

New address
3500 West Carriage Drive
Santa Ana CA 92704

Early Arrival Suggested
cash & visa/mc only - all sales final!
no returns/exchanges - no bags/backpacks/bad attitudes

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New York Magazine has a feature article on “the Splasher.” Its a good read, go check it out.

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Gabba Gabba Heys
Tribute to the RAMONES

BLACK FAG
A Fabulous Tribute to BLACK FLAG.

BITCH FITS
Bitches Doin’ Misfits

CLASH CITY ROCKERS
Tribute to the CLASH

DJ Sets by Shepard Fairey

June 7th, Doors open at 8
Knitting Factory
7021 Hollywood Blvd.

All Ages - Ten Bucks

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