Shepard Fairey Premieres New Documentary OBEY GIANT

Photo Credit: Steve Lucero/BFA.com

One of the world’s most recognized street artists, Shepard Fairey, has released the definitive documentary about his life and work: OBEY GIANT. The film is directed by Academy Award-Winner James Moll and Executive Produced by Jennifer Howell, James Franco and Vince Jolivette at Elysium Bandini Studios.

The illustrator, graphic designer and clothing designer first gained notoriety with his OBEY sticker campaign, in homage to wrestler Andre the Giant. The stickers launched a global phenomenon that launched Fairey into the limelight.

Photo Credit: Steve Lucero/BFA.com

He has gone on to show work at museums from the Smithsonian to MoMA, and has also designed Barack Obama‘s 2008 U.S. presidential election poster. The new documentary delves deep into his background in the punk rock and skateboarding scenes and his rise as a globally influential artist.

Elysium Bandini Studios in collaboration with Hulu and Hublot held an all-star premiere at the Theater at the Ace Hotel DTLA. More than 500 guests showed up to the event, including Andrew Bird, Chris Holmes, Donald Kushner, Edward Kitsis, Gary Baseman, Ginnifer Goodwin, James Moll, Jeff Vespa, Jennifer Howell, Josh Dallas, Landon Pigg, Lisa Edelstein,  LL Cool J., Mark Mothersbaugh, Mr. Brainwash, Rain Phoenix, RETNA, Shepard Fairey, Summer Phoenix, Terry Crews, Tom Franco and Zoe Bell. 

The event was timed to coincide with Fairey’s new exhibition “DAMAGED,” his largest solo show in L.A. at the Library Street Collective. The show includes more than 200 new works, as well as a newspaper stand for “The Damaged Times,” a free printout for attendees.

Fairey’s work has often been political, and the new show is no different. “As angry as I am, I think in times of division, scapegoating, and hatefulness, it’s important to look for common humanity,” he said of his goals. “I think respecting human dignity is really punk rock right now.”

Elysium Bandini Studios is a new film studio and streaming platform that aims to promote the work of young artists and filmmakers. Subscribers can watch content on the site for $10 a month, with all proceeds raised going back into artistic initiatives.

Photo Credit: Steve Lucero/BFA.com