Shepard Fairey

This image is interesting because of the use of limited colours which are eye catching and intriguing. The use of a little girl could represent innocence within America, but the fact that the flower is covered by the grenade could symbolise that the innocence is being destroyed by the American system.‘E Pluribus Venom’ are artworks designed to question the symbols and methods of the American machine and American dream and also celebrate those who oppose blind nationalism and war. Shepard Fairey’s work contains politically-charged paint, screen print, stencil, and collage mixed media pieces which use metaphor, humour, and seductive decorative elements to deliver provocative but beautiful results.

The title ‘E PLURIBUS VENOM’ which translates “Out of many, poison” is derived from “E Pluribus Unum” (out of many, one) an early motto adopted by the U.S. Government which appears on U.S. coins and dollar bills. ‘E Pluribus Venom’ could be interpreted as saying both that there is poison in the American system, and that many individuals are motivated by venom and anger toward this system.

This print is a collaboration with NYC-Based Photographer and Filmmaker Kai Regan.  Shepard used a photograph of a model that Kai shot as the subject of this illustration and print. Fairey creates reimagined propaganda style posters, in which he communicates his anti-war stance and dedication to fighting for peace.

This image again uses limited colours which are effective. Most of his images have this style featured. I think it is interesting because you cannot see what is behind the mans face because of the pilot mask covering it. This makes you wonder who he is or what his significance is in the image. The flower shows a peace sign on one of the petals, but the fact that the man is holding the flower makes it look as if he is threatening the peace around him. I think that this means the story behind the image could be an interesting one, again including propaganda.