Shepard Fairey: Superman is Dead
Shepard Fairey, aka Obey Giant presents an exhibition titled Superman is Dead, which pays tribute to one of his all-time idols, iconic bassist Sid Vicious from the Sex Pistols.
The Sex Pistols had a great impact on Fairey’s life from the time he discovered them in 1984. Not only their music, but also their image and attitude formed a powerful inspiration for him. Particularly, he favoured Sid Vicious’ notoriety and image.
“Sid was my Superman. […] Sid was everything the Superman, anti-hero, or cliché of a nihilistic movement called for. […] I have made many images of Sid over the years, and I thought I had retired him as a subject until Dennis Morris, the photographer of the most intimate and iconic shots of Sid-approached me about a collaboration,” Fairey said.
Dennis Morris’ archives of Sid images supplied a treasure of inspiration for Fairey to work from, and he soon found himself developing an entire series of paintings and prints honouring the contemporary ‘Superman’.
The pieces featured in the exhibition include a range of original, unique and rarely displayed paintings and photographs of Sid Vicious portraying sometimes his intimate face and others, his dirty and defiant one. Yet, from the colours kept in brown and beige hues to the patterned background the series pays an artistic tribute to the rock star.
Apart from his personal interest in the band and Sid, Fairey believes that punk music and street art are linked. “Punk music said ‘you don’t have to play by the rules or be a virtuoso to participate in music-making.’ To me street art is the same thing for visual artists. Punk rock emphasised do-it-yourself, even if you don’t have connections or resources. Street art is the same way.”
Superman is Dead will be on display from Saturday 4 July – Saturday 1 August at Magda Danysz Gallery in Paris, France.
www.obeygiant.com
www.magda-gallery.com
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