shepard fairey

last thursday i decided to visit the shepard fairey exhibit at the ICA.  i had decided thursday night because the ICA is free past a certain hour ( i think its 6 or so) anyway the only problem was that half the city of boston decided that thursday night was a splendid time to go as well. there were too many people at the exhibit. i dont believe that i enjoyed it as much due to the large crowd... BUT besides that set back it was still quite interesting. 

first of all i HAVE never seen that many people in a museum... EVER. i dont even think volumetrically speaking, when i've visited the Vatican has there been that many people. its nice to see people taking interest in art. even if it is the 'in thing' that doesnt bother me at all, i like seeing people expose themselves to new things. it also warms my heart to witness dreams coming true. 

shepard fairey started out as a tshirt and skateboard designer and worked his way up saving and slaving away at his art. i like to see people succeed at their dreams, let him make money off his talent, i truly dont find that to be exploitation of any sort of this 'street art' movement. there have been several controversies with people accusing fariey of exploiting street art/graffiti because he's taking certain commissions but let the poor man make a living off what he loves. is it truly exploiting the great renaissance masters if someone were to paint a likeness of the venus and cupid and sell it for a few hundred dollars? really people, do you have ANYTHING better to do than whine that you're not in the star light making some cash with your dream. 

he has an even spark, irony and a perfect drop of seriousness blended together to create what seems like a simple piece of art work that if inspected closer has quite a number of layers that one can, if wanted to, take the time and dissect whatever they want. i call his work 'art work' because he starts this train of thinking when you look at his work. he ignites a spark within your mind and begins this process of analyzation and thought that defines art. art is a piece or series of works that being a process of thoughts; gets you to start thinking of the movement, of the times associated with the time period and/or yourself and/or the artist. this is a mechinism to challenge the brain and humanity. why do you think art from centuries ago is so much easier to 'get' because you cant associate with it fully so you're utterly detached for the most part. art that is happening now or in and around our time is so much harder to get because we're, as a society so far up our own asses that we cannot seem to see the light of day and detach ourselves from everything and get relax, enjoy and let the thoughts progress freely and allow for things to flow naturally and allow for things to seep.... 

quite honestly, i believe shepard fairey has done beautifully.