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I create art as a way to deconstruct meanings and start much-needed conversations on causes and issues that I believe in. In 1998, I created a series of works I called the “Giant Nubian” series with recognizable colors and themes to portray several African-American freedom fighters. Last year, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of OBEY GIANT, we released the “Facing the Giant: Three Decades of Dissent” print series, a collection of limited edition, large format fine-art prints on custom paper. A few of the Angela Davis and Jesse Jackson Nubian prints from this special edition series are still available on the site, and a portion of proceeds from these two prints goes to Black Lives Matter. -Shepard
Purchase the Angela and Jesse Nubian prints here.
Angela Nubian. Serigraph on Coventry Rag, 100% Cotton Custom Archival Paper with hand-deckled edges. 30 x 41 inches. Signed by Shepard Fairey. Numbered edition of 89. Comes with a certificate of authenticity. $900. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Black Lives Matter. Available at store.obeygiant.com/collections/prints. Max order: 1 per customer/household. *Orders are not guaranteed as demand is high and inventory is limited.* Multiple orders will be refunded. International customers are responsible for import fees due upon delivery. ALL SALES FINAL.
Jesse Nubian. Serigraph on Coventry Rag, 100% Cotton Custom Archival Paper with hand-deckled edges. 30 x 41 inches. Signed by Shepard Fairey. Numbered edition of 89. Comes with a certificate of authenticity. $900. A portion of proceeds will go to Black Lives Matter. Available at store.obeygiant.com/collections/prints. Max order: 1 per customer/household. Orders are not guaranteed as demand is high and inventory is limited. Multiple orders will be refunded. International customers are responsible for import fees due upon delivery. ALL SALES FINAL.
This print is from the Brown Power series, which adopts the visual language of the Black Power movement and uses a softened Pan-African color scheme (red, black, and green) to portray several African-American freedom fighters.
With his fist raised in a gesture made famous in the Black Power movement of the 1960s, we are reminded of civil rights activist and minister, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. and his countless proclamations of “I Am-Somebody,” from a poem of that title originally written by Reverend William Holmes Borders, Sr. Jackson recited this poem at numerous rallies, festivals and television appearances as a call and response demonstration of empowerment and shared humanity that was central to his activism. This portrait captures the sentiment of this statement, echoing both in his defiant stance but also remaining a human portrait.
By incorporating unknown silhouettes and figures into the series, viewers are expected to examine their acceptance of the aesthetic of power and activism to reveal how symbolism can at times overcome the truth.
– Description written by co-curator of Facing the Giant: Three Decades of Dissent, Pedro Alonzo.
