shepard fairey: may day
deitch projects, new york
on now until may 29th, 2010

artist shepard fairy is currently exhibiting a solo show of his work entitled 'may day'
at the deitch projects in new york. known for his propoganda-like imagery,
the title of fairey's show brings about multiple meanings of the term, which are expressed
throughout his new body of work.

arab woman, 2007
8 x 10 feet
mural installation
mixed media on canvas
image courtesy of deitch projects


the exhibition opening coincided with the actual 'may day' of may 1st, which nearly
100 countries observe as an international worker's day or labor day - a day of
political demonstrations and celebrations coordinated by unions and socialist groups.
the day commemorates the 1886 haymarket massacre in chicago, when a peace rally
supporting workers on strike was disrupted by a bomb, and a barrage of police gunfire.
fairey believes that it is a day in which we should express our frustrations with the upper powers,
but also a day in which activists should pursue ideals.




nineteeneightyfouria, 2007
10 x 14 feet
mural installation
mixed media on canvas
image courtesy of deitch projects


his body of work critiques corporate propoganda, pushes for renewable energy and supports
free speech and the bemoaning of the U.S. political party system. through these most recent pieces,
fairey captures the spirit of his subjects, using portraiture to celebrate artists, musicians
and political activists he most admires:

'these people I'm portraying were all revolutionary, in one sense or another.
they started out on the margins of culture and ended up changing the mainstream.
when we celebrate big steps that were made in the past, it reminds us that big steps
can be made in the future.' - shepard fairey

evolve devolve, 2008
52 x 72 inches
stencil and mixed media collage on canvas
image courtesy of deitch projects



'may day' also refers to the distress signal used by pilots, police and firefighters in time
of emergency. the sounding of the alarm brings a feeling of help, that hope is on the way.
'...if we make noise, if we put our ideas out there, then maybe we can make a change
like the people in the portraits have done.' - shepard fairey




l: aung san suu kyi, 2009, 44 x 60 inches, stencil and mixed media collage on canvas
r: burmese monk, 2009, 44 x 60 inches, stencil and mixed media collage on canvas
images courtesy of deitch projects




two sides of captialism (certificate), 2007
11 x 17 feet
mural installation
mixed media on panel
photo by adam wallcavage





two sides of captialism (ransom note), 2007
11 x 17 feet
mural installation
mixed media on panel
photo by adam wallcavage





jaws wave, 2009
44 x 60 inches
stencil and mixed media collage on canvas
image courtesy of deitch projects




'may day', installation view
photo by adam reich
image courtesy of deitch projects




'may day', installation view
photo by adam reich
image courtesy of deitch projects




'may day', installation view
photo by adam reich
image courtesy of deitch projects




'may day', installation view
photo by adam reich
image courtesy of deitch projects




view of exhibition set-up
photo by furlong




view of exhibition set-up
photo by furlong




'may day' mural
located at houston street and bowery, new york
image courtesy of deitch projects


coinciding with his exhibition is the presentation of shepard fairey's 'may day' mural, made possible by goldman properties and deitch projects. the piece incorporates images and themes which can be found in his most fine art and street art projects, addressing contemporary political themes. the american flag and target reference the iconic paintings of jasper johns. the newspaper and mayday megaphone advertisement pay tribute to andy warhol's renditions of the subject matter and also incorporates smaller images of decorative patterns.




exhibition poster




exhibition poster




shepard fairey in front of the 'may day' mural
portrait by furlong