Beyond the Streets

You probably know of Shepard Fairey through “Obey Giant” stickers and later his Obama “Hope” poster, but his body of work comprises so much more than that. A new exhibition at Beyond the Streets explores the artist’s relationship with printmaking, displaying more than 400 of his original screen prints—including some rare and historic editions and hybrid works that combine screen printing with stenciling—and offering a behind‑the‑scenes look at Fairey’s methods. “I have used printed posters to spread my artwork and messages in public spaces as well as keep my art affordable by printing multiples,” he says, emphasizing the importance print still holds today. Though you can often see Fairey’s work at his Echo Park gallery, Subliminal Projects, it’s rare to find this many of his pieces together. And though you may have seen his designs on a screen or a printout, the vibrant prints pop in person, with a careful thought toward composition that comes with Fairey’s illustration and design background and his knowledge of advertising and propaganda, which he wields in his political pieces. The exhibition runs though January 11 and will kick off with an opening reception on Saturday, November 15, from 7 to 10pm.