Shepard Fairey has just completed a handful of murals in the thirteenth arrondissement (district)of Paris. The theme of the new murals revolve around global warming and aims to revive the debate on the solutions that could be implemented to improve the situation.
This is not the first time that the artist has taken to Paris with the goal of pushing acknowledgement towards global climate change. Just last year, Fairey erected a painted sphere installation at the Eiffel Tower titled “Earth Crisis.” This was the visual foundation on which his newly unveiled “Delicate Balance” formed.
In regards to his 2015 work regarding global warming, Fairey told Hypebeast:
“I’m not an alarmist, but I do think people need to understand that we are facing an earth crisis. I think it is exciting that the globe provides different experiences for the viewer from a distance and up close while living in the heart of the Eiffel Tower.”
Visually, the artist continues to play with imagery of the mandala, implementing strong symbolism throughout to further his message. The methodically chosen colors used within the first two newly finished murals are reminiscent of water, which represent both purity and cleansing in many cultures. Fairey also took to Instagram just this morning to unveil an even newer mural in the 13th District of Paris conveying the statement “Liberte Egalite Fraternite,” which translates to “Liberty Equality Fraternity” in French. For this last piece, he uses France’s national colors.
While Fairey has executed several a quite remarkable permanent murals for the thirteenth arrondissement to enjoy, he is as well in town for an upcoming solo exhibition at Itinerrance Gallery titled “Earth Crisis,” which is set to open June 24th and viewable by appointment only.
