Artist Shepard Fairey, famed for creating the ubiquitous "Hope" poster of Barack Obama, has returned with new artwork to support Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign. The freshly minted piece, titled "Forward," carries the same sense of optimism but channels it toward the contemporary political struggles facing the United States.
Fairey's new work paints Harris against bold hues, emphasizing her gaze and resolve. The poster's message, simply stating "Forward," reflects both the urgency and the aspiration for progress during challenging times.
Through his artwork, Fairey aims to rally grassroots activism, asserting it as not merely commercial art but rather as a tool for change. "I was not paid for it and will not receive any financial benefit from it," he detailed, emphasizing the altruistic motivations behind the piece.
The inspiration for the piece reportedly draws heavily from Harris's potent words at a Georgia rally, where she insisted, "We are not going back." Fairey interpreted these words as encapsulating the current moment, asserting, "in order not to go back, we must go FORWARD!"
With Harris's candidacy closely shadowed by increasing threats to democratic principles, Fairey underscored the importance of this election, proclaiming Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, as the best chance against rising authoritarianism.
Similar to Obama's iconic poster from 2008, which energized voters during his campaign, Fairey’s portrayal of Harris is meant to evoke hope and progress. This artistic lineage reflects the artist's commitment to using visual expression to combat disenchantment and mobilize support.
Fairey’s advocacy through art has evolved over the years, often reflecting the political climate. After expressing disappointment with Obama’s presidency, he shifted his focus solely to creating protest artwork against Donald Trump.
The series of artworks called “We the People” from 2017 featured powerful depictions of marginalized women, symbolizing strength and resilience. This shift marks Fairey’s evolving engagement with politics, transitioning from support to activism.
Even as he steered away from endorsing candidates like Hillary Clinton, who he felt did not inspire enough engagement, his newer pieces symbolize urgent social issues. This includes his collaboration with Greenpeace for Biden's administration, pushing for climate action just as he previously urged through critique.
The new Harris poster displays Fairey's distinct graphic style—bold and provocative. The use of contrasting colors and Harris’ direct gaze invites viewers to resonate with the message of forward momentum.
By utilizing art as both expression and call-to-action, Fairey illustrates how visual culture can invigorate political participation. This potency of art to inspire has become integral in contemporary political discourse, underscored by the emotional currency it carries.
With the 2024 elections approaching, Fairey's piece acts as both reminder and rallying cry for change. Set against the backdrop of escalating political tensions, it's clear: the artistic movement isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making statements.
He urges the electorate to recognize their collective power, pushing back against trends he deems dangerous for democracy. For Fairey, the message holds true: we’re at a crossroads, and the choice is clear—go forward or risk going back.
By encapsulating the demands and hopes of today, Fairey’s artwork serves as both motivation and manifesto. The impact of visual representation extends beyond mere art, echoing within the very fabric of political activism.
