Shepard Fairey, Obama "Hope" poster creator, gets two years' probation for vandalism

Associated Press - AP ^ | July 10, 2009 | Melissa Trujillo, Associated Press

[Sylvester McMonkey McBean]

Thanks for the information. Did not know that. I’m running on 3 cylinders regarding “Red” symbols and I should be running on 8.

[ETL]

What’s with the roses in the gun barrels? Did he run out of muzzle brakes and suppressors?

MAY 20, 2009

Shepard Fairey Ripped Off My Picture

Exactly 20 years ago I took this picture of an armed Chinese soldier at the onset of martial law in Beijing. That same image, with no attachment to it's original context or how it fits into the Chinese story, was appropriated by artist Shepard Fairy (of the Obama "Hope Poster" fame) See below:

Beijing residents, using busses and their bodies, had blocked a convoy of soldiers attempting to enter the city. This was the first appearance of lethal weapons on the streets and was a precursor of what was to come on June 4. I'm sure the reality of the picture is not relevant to the artist...but I find that disturbing.

Images stripped of their context but retaining strong emotional elements are hallmarks of fascist and Soviet propaganda styles - an acknowledged inspiration for this artist. In this case, I think a lack of accurate context for the image drains it of meaning. It's also dishonest.

I suggest that Mr Fairey credit those whos materials he uses to "inspire" him. The truth of things might help enhance the depth of how his work is perceived and actually make it more interesting to contemplate and not just cool to look at.

http://open.salon.com/blog/ed_nachtrieb/2009/05/20/shepard_fairey_ripped_off_my_picture_first

[ETL]

I couldn’t find the author’s name on that piece I just posted.

[rabidralph]

Okay?

[Sylvester McMonkey McBean]

That’s ok...looks like it’s in the left margin.

[Dajjal]

Thanks for the ping!

A good analysis of Fairey, and Obama's interest in him:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2121506/posts
Obama’s Venomous Artist-Fundraiser
"The political messages in Fairey's art are:
1) Communist dictators are god-like supermen
2) The United States is a police state at home and an imperialist oppressor abroad
3) Capitalism is an evil system based on greed and exploitation
4) Ordinary Amerikkkan workers are guilty of blithely supporting an unjust system
5) The only good Americans are those who fight The System
6) The communist Peoples' Armies will soon triumph over Amerikkkan imperialism and bring peace to the world out of the barrel of a gun."

We should never forget that Shepard Fairey is not only an Obama propagandist, but a huge FUNDRAISER -- bringing millions of dollars into the Obama campaign through those poster / button / t-shirt / coffee mug / etc. sales.

[MarkeyD]

[piasa]

Edward Machtreib according to the name in the photo caption.