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The crew and I just finished this “Rise Above Earth Justice” mural in the Shoreditch neighborhood of London. I began putting street art up around Brick Lane in Shoreditch 25 years ago, so I’m very pleased to return to the area with my largest London mural yet. The “Rise Above Earth Justice” mural uses symbols, such as a flower blooming from the scales of justice, to convey the message that it is within our power to “rise above” the injustice of environmental irresponsibility and push for a more healthy planet. I believe that our individual and collective actions will dramatically impact current and future generations, be it for the better or for the worse. It is our responsibility as the citizens of Earth to protect it. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this project happen including the U.S. Ambassador Jane Hartley, Simon Butler of Migrate Art, and Charlotte Pyatt. The camaraderie was very meaningful because we all believe in the power of art to initiate conversations and shift culture around crucial issues that impact the world. Thank you to my crew of Dan Flores, Rob Zagula, and Jon Furlong (who also shot the photos) for their hard work helping to paint the mural.
-Shepard
Migrate Art is proud to present:
SHEPARD FAIREY
‘Rise Above Earth Justice’
A new mural in East London highlighting the importance of climate awareness.
Funded by the Ford Foundation.
Supported by Ambassador Jane Hartley of the U.S. Embassy in London.
Following the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly emphasising the need for greater international cooperation, Migrate Art is proud to welcome American artist Shepard Fairey to London. Funded by the Ford Foundation with the support of Ambassador Jane Hartley of the U.S. Embassy in London, Fairey will create a mural highlighting the importance of climate awareness.
World-renowned for his use of art to address social and environmental justice, Fairey’s latest work champions the importance of conversations around climate, and the crucial role that art plays in reconnecting us with pressing global issues. “This mural is titled ‘Rise Above Earth Justice’ and uses symbols to convey the message that it is within our power to “rise above” the injustice of environmental irresponsibility and push for a more healthy planet. I believe that our individual and collective actions will dramatically impact current and future generations, be it for the better or for the worse. It is our responsibility as the citizens of Earth to protect it,” said Shepard Fairey.
The mural design was inspired by a series of 2024 workshops held with young people from London, supported by Global Generation and long time collaborator Refugee Community Kitchen (RCK). Discussion focused primarily around increased access to nature and air pollution to which Fairey has responded with a bold, stylized flower standing 15 meters tall, balanced by the scales of justice.
“The stories we tell, and the art we create, help us define our communities and connect across countries and oceans. The Ford Foundation supports artist-driven projects rooted in meaningful engagement, and we are sponsoring Shepard Fairey’s mural art precisely because it embodies this spirit. Born out of listening sessions with the youth of London, Shepard has captured a deep commitment to climate justice in a stunning mural that combines a call to action with a powerful image of a blooming flower.”
~ Darren Walker at Ford Foundation
Over the past 10 years, Migrate have raised over £2.1 million through their creative projects supporting displaced, indigenous and homeless communities. From refugee camps in France and Northern Iraq, the Indigenous Xingu people in the Amazon and UK-based charities feeding London’s homeless people.
‘Having met Shepard 15 years ago and worked with him a number of times before, I can’t think of a better artist to engage with the local community and share a message of hope for the future of the world. The support provided by the US Embassy should be seen as a shining example for others to follow.’
~ Simon Butler Founder Migrate
The Mural can be found Anlaby House, Boundary Street, London E2 7JD. This project was produced by Migrate Art, Charlotte Pyatt and Simon Butler, is funded by The Ford Foundation, with the support of Ambassador Jane Hartley of the U.S. Embassy London and logistics coordinated by Global Street Art as part of London Mural Festival.
“As the U.S. Ambassador, my job is to build connections between the American and British people. To me, the arts are a critically important aspect of diplomacy and building mutual understanding. Artists like Shepard Fairey are, in a sense, the ambassadors of humanity. Shepard’s work transcends borders, democratizes access to art, and intends to make the world a better, more just, place. I’m pleased to have played a role in connecting the social change mission of the Ford Foundation with Shepard’s talent to highlight the community’s deep commitment to climate action and justice. I hope the new mural will inspire all who view it, and provoke deeper reflection on our shared role as stewards of the earth.“
~ U.S. Ambassador Jane Hartley
For press enquiries please contact [email protected]
Producers @Migrateart @simonbutlerart@charlotte_pyatt
Supported by @fordfoundation @usa_in_uk
Logistics @londonmuralfest
Community @globalgeneration@refugeecommunitykitchen
Photos: @jonathanfurlong
