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All auctions / Contemporary Art / Shepard Fairey (OBEY) (1970) - Mr. Spray Letterpress "MAKE ART NOT WAR"
Shepard Fairey (OBEY) – Mr. Spray Letterpress (2026) Limited Edition | Signed & Numbered by Hand | High-Quality Letterpress Executive Summary This lot offers the rare opportunity to acquire an iconic motif by Shepard Fairey, one of the most influential street-art artists of our time. The “Mr. Spray Letterpress” (2026) combines traditional craftsmanship with Fairey’s subversive critique of brand identity and advertising. The work stands out for its tactile quality and the strictly limited character. Detailed Object Description Artist: Shepard Fairey (OBEY Giant) Title: Mr. Spray Letterpress "MAKE ART NOT WAR" Year: 2026 Medium: Letterpress on cream-colored cotton paper with handmade deckled edges (hand-deckled edges). Format: Approximately 33 x 25.4 cm (13 x 10 inches) Edition: Strictly limited to 450 copies worldwide. Signature: Hand-signed and numbered by the artist. Special Feature: Includes the official “Obey Publishing Chop” (embossing stamp) for authentication. Background to the Work: The Evolution of “Mr. Spray” The figure “Mr. Spray” was introduced by Shepard Fairey for the first time in 2004. It is based on an advertising mascot for spray paints from the 1950s. Fairey uses this figure as a symbol for the intersection between street art and commercial advertising. By choosing letterpress for this edition, a deliberate contrast is created: the rough, often transient aesthetics of street art meet a traditional, mechanical printing process known for its depth and texture. Each sheet, with its handmade deckled edges, is a tactile one-of-a-kind. Artist Portrait: Shepard Fairey (OBEY) Shepard Fairey (born 1970) gained worldwide fame through his 1989 “Andre the Giant Has a Posse” sticker campaign, which evolved into the global brand OBEY Giant. Strategic Significance of the Artist: Cultural Impact: His “Hope” poster for Barack Obama (2008) is regarded as one of the most iconic political images of the 21st century and is held in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. Stylistics: Fairey’s works are characterized by a fusion of Pop Art, Russian Constructivism, and classic propaganda aesthetics. Market Value: His works are a fixed part of renowned collections (including MoMA, Victoria and Albert Museum) and show a stable value development in the field of Urban Art. Condition & Provenance The work is in excellent original condition and has been stored away from light. It will be delivered with a digital certificate of authenticity (Verisart) and a physical certificate of authenticity (Verisart) as well as the physical publisher’s embossing stamp, providing maximum security for collectors and investors. Note for Bidders: This artwork is not only a decorative art object but a time capsule of the Urban Art movement, bridging the street and the gallery.
Estimate:$181.44
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorContemporary Art
Estimate:
$181.44
1996 Australia 1/10 oz Gold Lunar Rat (Series I)
12/06/2017
$475
Est: $590
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