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The lotus blossom has a millennial history dating back to ancient Egypt and early Buddhism. It is currently considered a sacred flower due to its daily cycle of emerging from mud or dirty river water clean and unscathed by the environment in which it grows. The lotus is a symbol of hope and purity; the flower radiates light. In this work by Shepard Fairey, it is surrounded by a crescent moon adorned with stars, a reference to the Virgin of Guadalupe who also stands on the moon, a symbol of purity in Catholicism. Fairey describes the images as “beauty and resolution out of chaos.” The artist reminds us that in spite of adversity, hope and humanity can merge from every situation. “Obey Lotus Ornament” stands out among the selection of works in this exhibition because it does not address socio-political issues, nor does it make a provocative statement. The artist simply intended to make a beautiful image that is undeniably appealing to all. Fairey refers to ornamental works as a “Trojan Horse” intended to draw the viewer in regardless of political orientation. The structured and organic image of the lotus flower is often incorporated into murals as a decorative element alongside intentionally provocative imagery.
Text supplied by co-curator of “Facing the Giant: Three Decades of Dissent,” Pedro Alonzo.
OBEY Lotus Ornament. 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. $900. Comes with a certificate of authenticity. Available Tuesday, July 23rd @ 10 AM PDT 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.
The masked woman, her face covered and partially shaded, is mysterious. She looks directly at the viewer with determination. Her ethnicity is undetermined; the viewer can project their identity on the figure. The use of the word “Mujer,” “woman” in Spanish, and the mask is a nod to the Zapatista movement in Southern Mexico, and armed anti-globalization group that rebelled against the Mexican government demanding indigenous rights and democracy. The eyes remind Fairey of Emma Peel, played by Diana Rigg, the heroine in the 1960’s television program, The Avengers. The work is a celebration of feminity, as audacious and assertive women portrayed in 1960’s spy films. In 2005 Shepard and his wife Amanda became parents. As the father of two daughters and married to a woman with a strong character, Fairey addressed sexism by rendering images of powerful, defiant women. His portraits of women are in part of a projection of his daughters, a reflection of his wife and an assault on historical portrayals of women appearing nude, powerless, and submissive.
Text supplied by co-curator of “Facing the Giant: Three Decades of Dissent,” Pedro Alonzo.
Mujer Fatale. 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. $900. Comes with a certificate of authenticity. Available Tuesday, July 23rd @ 12 PM PDT 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.
