Shepard Fairey Unveils Major Exhibition and New Works at STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam
Internationally renowned street artist and activist Shepard Fairey is visiting Amsterdam to present a significant solo exhibition and create two new artworks for the STRAAT Museum. This event marks a rare opportunity for the public to experience a comprehensive overview of Fairey's work in the Netherlands.
Printed Matters: Raise the Level Exhibition
From August 13 to October 1, 2023, the STRAAT Gallery will host "Printed Matters: Raise the Level," an exhibition featuring over 130 objects, including new pieces created specifically for this showcase. The collection largely focuses on themes related to the planet's health, addressing issues like fossil fuel combustion and climate change. The phrase "raise the level" serves as a call to action, highlighting the urgency of environmental protection and the rising ocean levels due to global warming.
Beyond environmental concerns, the exhibition also delves into pressing social and political issues such as nationalism, xenophobia, conflict, misinformation, and threats to democracy. Fairey employs his signature style of recognizable symbols, portraits, and texts to engage viewers in a dialogue about these crucial topics. As Fairey notes, he hopes his work inspires people to confront these issues and take action, transforming apathy fueled by fear into a belief that art can be a joyful form of communication and activism.
New Public Artworks for Amsterdam's NDSM Wharf
As a special contribution to Amsterdam, Shepard Fairey and his team will create two new artworks starting August 7. One will be a large-scale mural on the imposing 14-meter-high by 14.8-meter-wide side facade of the STRAAT Museum building. This outdoor mural will incorporate elements connecting it directly to Amsterdam, serving as a public gift to the city that everyone can enjoy. Additionally, a new canvas piece will be created for the museum's permanent collection. The public will have the unique chance to observe the live creation process of both artworks on the NDSM-terrein and within the museum. Fairey himself will officially open the exhibition on August 12.
About Shepard Fairey
Born in Charleston, South Carolina in 1970, Shepard Fairey is an influential figure in contemporary art. After graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design, he launched his iconic "Andre the Giant has a Posse" sticker campaign in 1989, which evolved into the internationally recognized OBEY GIANT art movement. His work is celebrated for its distinctive imagery and political commentary.
Fairey gained widespread global recognition for his visionary "HOPE" portrait of then-senator Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign. His art is featured in prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Smithsonian in Washington DC, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the National Portrait Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London. His fashion brand, OBEY Clothing, also extends his artistic and philosophical message.
Experiencing Street Art at STRAAT Museum
STRAAT Museum stands as a leading institution for street art and graffiti, housed within a vast former shipyard on Amsterdam's NDSM-terrein. It showcases over 160 monumental artworks, all created on-site by a diverse array of international artists. The museum's collection is continually expanding, often allowing visitors to witness artists at work firsthand. The STRAAT Gallery, where "Printed Matters: Raise the Level" will be held, focuses on specific narratives within the global street art and graffiti culture, with many works available for purchase.
To discover more about cultural experiences in Amsterdam and plan your visit, explore Musemap (musemap.art) for details on museums and what's currently on display. You can also browse more museums in Amsterdam or view the city map for other points of interest.
