Happy holidaze

The escalation in Afghanistan, the weak health care reform, detainee abuse not being shared with the public… on a number of issues I’m very disappointed in Obama. I hate being in a position where I’ll either be characterized as having “turned” on Obama for speaking out, or for being a “brainwashed cheerleader” if I give him more time to get it together. The last thing I want is to do is de facto strengthen the Republican’s position by attacking Obama, but I think he needs to be pushed. I don’t think Obama is a bad human being, I just think he is not being brave enough. In some regards I think Obama is just the messenger, letting us know he’s caved in to corporate and political forces we have all done too little to keep in check. I must qualify that by saying SOME people like Robert Greenwald and his Brave New Films team and MoveOn.org have certainly done their part to make righteous efforts. I’m disillusioned with the whole two party system. I’m baffled by some of Obama’s moves and many of the Democratic party’s moves. I’m confident that only campaign finance reform and vigorous participation from citizens, not corporations will change things for the better. Let’s all turn our dissatisfaction into positive action… talk-action=0.

Happy day of good will and peace on earth from a proud agnostic humanitarian. If a god made all this, he or she was quite mischievous if not mean-spirited.

-Shepard

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LEAD Uganda T-Shirts

NEW. Black American Apparel L.E.A.D Uganda T-shirt with
Shepard Fairey’s Blanket image on it. This t-shirt is the same used by Obey Clothing.

The image is put on using an environmentally friendly, Discharge Printing process. Discharge printing embeds the inks into the shirt. It is water-based, as opposed to silk screening, which uses plastisol inks. Art Press, who printed the shirts uses all soy-based chemicals.

PURCHASE T-SHIRTS HERE

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Cool Bear

First fine art print printed through modern multiples titled “Cool Bear”
One color print, 100% rag archival, deckeld edged paper.
Signed and numbered edition of 50 avalible for $50, $60 for international (shipping included) and 10 signed and numbered HPMs (10 different colors) for $100, $110 international (shipping included) you can purchase them online at www.philiplumbang.bigcartel.com.

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Stop the hate!

At this time we are making an urgent national call for all peoples concerned and engaged in changing the course of hate in this country to join us January 16th, 2010 in Phoenix Arizona. The time has come to once again take the streets and stand up against hate! Twice in the past year we have stood up with resounding response and results. After our two previous five thousand plus people actions: First, investigations from the US Justice Department and FBI were started. Second, congressional hearings were hosted and the entire nation now knows of Joe Arpaio and his constant abuse of human rights. We have all succeeded in bringing to the forefront the atrocities that the 287g and ICE Access programs bring to our communities, now we must unite to stop their abuse.

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HOMELESS, NOT HOPELESS

All year long, but especially during the holiday season, I think it is important to reflect on our own good fortune and look out for those who are less fortunate. My friend, street artist ABOVE, has been working on a project called “HOMELESS, NOT HOPELESS”. Read more about it below. I also have created art and made donations to a food bank called FEEDING AMERICA. 97% of their contributions are used directly for food for the needy. Check them out at feedingamerica.org
Thanks for caring.
-Shepard

DIRECT LINK TO PHOTOS AND INTERVIEWS
http://goabove.com/Homelessnothopeless.html

DIRECT LINK TO THE NON-PROFIT PRINT FOR PURCHASE TO SUPPORT
http://goabove.com/main/?p=674

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Obama Check

Check out this critique of Obama.I agree with the writer on 90%. However, I think he fails to recognize the climate Obama must operate in. I disagree with the Afghan war escalation, but it does not surprise me. In general, the tenor of “normal” or moderate political conversation on issues has shifted so far to the right that Obama is being called a Socialist! Good ideas need to have a receptive audience to take hold and right now they don’t. Obama’s faults are in many ways reflective of a retarded audience. Maybe more people should serve in Iraq etc… to gain the writer’s perspective on war. That was not necessary for me… I’ve been a believer in the MLK approach for years. I think the realistic goal is to change the attitudes of the people, causing the leaders to fall in line. The leaders are credited too much with being the cause when they tend more to be the effect. Bush was atrocious and was still re-elected in 2004. I’m disappointed in Obama, but even more so in Americans. I’m working on a healthcare graphic right now, not waiting for Obama or congress to fix things without pressure.
-Shepard

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/12/13-0

Subliminal x A FURIOUS HEARTBEAT

SHEPARD FAIREY AND ANTONINO D’AMBROSIO PRESENT

A FURIOUS HEARTBEAT

AN EVENING OF ART AND MUSIC
DECEMBER 19TH, 2009
8-11PM

LIVE PERFORMANCE BY WAYNE KRAMER (MC5), ANTONINO D’AMBROSIO, AND SPECIAL GUESTS
This event will launch a month-long exhibition that runs until January 9th. Let Fury Have The Hour Prints and Copies of A Heartbeat and a Guitar signed by Fairey and D’Ambrosio will be available for sale. For more information please visit www.subliminalprojects.com

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Jasper Johns

American Contemporary Art 101

Alright… for those of you who are wondering who Jasper Johns is, here is the quick and dirty version… Jasper Johns is one of the first American Contemporary Artist to begin using pop culture references in his work.  One could argue that he is one of the originators of the Pop Art movement.   He is most known for using imagery, such as the American Flag, Targets, and Numbers, as subjects in his work circa the 50′s and 60′s.   Johns was a roommate of Rauschenberg and has even been featured (as himself) in the Simpsons… Google him!

This imagery is part of a new body of work that Shepard is working on, focusing on American Pioneers in art, music, and culture.  Stay tuned as more revolutionary portraits are on the way.

This is a collaboration with photographer Michael Tighe. Check out more of Michael’s work at michaeltighephotography.com. Print on sale now, Edition of 450, $55.

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