Sunday, December 25, 2011

Shepard Fairey and the hippest cat around

I'm in shock. This is what happens with Hello Kitty and Shepard Fairey collide.






















Official Hello Kitty x Obey print from the Sanrio 50th Anniversary Exhibition in Miama, 2010. Rare item. In perfect, mint condition. Measures 18" x 24", signed and numbered by Shepard Fairy, limited edition of 300

If you aren't familiar with the genius that is Shepard Fairey let me inform you. Shepard Fairey is a street artist and is probably most known for his OBEY artwork. If you look at this image you will see that Hello Kitty is holding a a spray paint can in her left paw and a picture of the OBEY wrestler in her right. The wrestler is Andre the Giant.

Fairey began posting Andre the Giant stickers in the late 80s and early 90s. Sometimes he'd post the sticker or stencil it onto buildings. Sometimes he'd post a single art piece or sometimes he'd post many right after the other. The purpose was to get passerbys to question the sticker's purpose as well as to question their surroundings. When a person views the art piece they will most likely think to themselves, "Obey what?"

The OBEY artwork has developed a cult following over the years. Some find it to be a representation of rebellion, some find it to be a piece of unique art. The interpretations are endless and that's what makes the image so great.

This piece can be purchased at the LA Japan website for $600. Yikes! Not worth it in my opinion.

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