Charleston, South Carolina’s Shepard Fairey releases “Kamala Harris Forward” ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election – Available for Free Download

Charleston, South Carolina’s Shepard Fairey as a follow up to his ‘Barack Obama Hope” print has created “Kamala Harris Forward” ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election. This is available as a free download.

More about Kamala Harris Forward by Shepard Fairey

“We are not going back.” These words from Kamala Harris summarize the moment we are in, and in order not to go back, we must go FORWARD! While we have not achieved all the goals we might be seeking, we are making progress – all in the face of expanding threats and regressive political adversaries.

But we are not going back. In fact, we have a very real opportunity to move forward. If we act we can move forward our desire for a healthy planet, for corporate accountability, toward equality and away from racism, sexism, xenophobia, and homophobia, for equitable access to opportunity, for full access to the medical care we want or need, for fair and just immigration policies.

I believe VP Kamala Harris and her VP pick Tim Walz are our best chance to move forward. They are our best chance to push back on encroaching fascism and threats to democracy, and our best chance for creating the world we all desire and deserve. Politics is messy… but messy is no excuse for checking out. Messy is the work and the work can be joyful. Messy is what it takes to get through the daunting mess in pursuit of a better future. But we only win if we show up. Be ready for Nov. 5. Check your voter registration status now.

This art is a tool of grassroots activism for all to use non-commercially. I was not paid for it and will not receive any financial benefit from it. I created this work purely in pursuit of a better future. Let’s get there together!
-Shepard Fairey

• FREE DOWNLOAD HERE
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About Shepard Fairey

Shepard Fairey, born on February 15, 1970, in Charleston, South Carolina, is a renowned street artist and graphic designer known for his iconic “Hope” poster of Barack Obama and the “Obey” sticker campaign featuring André the Giant.  Growing up in Charleston, Fairey was influenced by the city’s historical architecture and the skateboarding culture, which he embraced as a teenager.  He later studied at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he honed his street-art style.  Despite living in Los Angeles, Fairey frequently visits Charleston, where his family resides, and continues to contribute to its art scene.

Shepard Fairey’s upbringing in Charleston, South Carolina, significantly influenced his artistic style. Growing up in a city rich with historical architecture, Fairey drew inspiration from its columns, wrought iron, and manicured gardens, which became material for his early drawings and paintings.  Additionally, the decaying parts of downtown Charleston, such as abandoned properties and a swimming pool, provided a backdrop for his skateboarding and creative exploration, fostering his interest in street art and photography. These elements combined to shape his distinctive style, characterized by a blend of historical and contemporary influences.

Shepard Fairey has several notable murals in Charleston, created during his 2014 exhibition “The Insistent Image” at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art. These include murals at the College Lodge on the College of Charleston campus, the Francis Marion Hotel, and Sottile Theatre, which is part of the Spoleto Festival USA. Additionally, there are murals on King Street and Calhoun Street, although some are at risk of being lost due to demolition.

The “Power and Glory” mural by Shepard Fairey is located on the Calhoun side of the College of Charleston dormitory, College Lodge (Note: This building is scheduled for potential demolition). It was created in 2014 as part of Fairey’s exhibition “The Insistent Image” at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art. The mural is one of the few remaining works from this project, as others have been lost or are at risk of demolition. Efforts are being made by local tech entrepreneurs to digitally preserve Fairey’s Charleston murals, including “Power and Glory,” to maintain their cultural significance.

Note: The artwork – Kamala Harris Forward is available for free download and is intended as a tool for grassroots activism, with Fairey not receiving any financial compensation for it.

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