Quick Take

Supply and Demand is the book that finally does justice to Shepard Fairey's entire body of work, a massive retrospective covering 17 Years of this groundbreaking artist's prodigious output. Through the lens of esteemed writers and critics such as Carlo McCormick, Steven Heller and Roger Gastman, Fairey's work is seen for all its depth and placed in context as art, design, social experiment and "getting over". This massive book pulls no punches and all areas of the enigmatic artist's work, travels and travails are illuminated; from exhibitions, posters, flyers, silkscreens and stickers to high altitude pursuits, citations and police beatings, it's all documented in a museum quality layout and binding. The evidence is in, and it's clear that Shepard Fairey is not one to rest on his laurels, the work must go on. For both long time fans wanting the complete collection and those just curious to know what this OBEY business is all about Supply and Demand is the answer.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Obey: Supply and Demand

Introduction

"Obey: Supply and Demand" by Fairey Shepard is a comprehensive retrospective of the groundbreaking artist's prodigious output over 17 years. The book, which has garnered rave reviews from readers, offers a deep dive into Shepard Fairey's work, showcasing its depth and context as art, design, social experiment, and political statement. With contributions from esteemed writers and critics, this massive book provides a museum-quality exploration of Fairey's art, travels, and trials.

About Fairey Shepard

Fairey Shepard, the author of "Obey: Supply and Demand," is an enigmatic artist known for his iconic "Obey Giant" campaign and his "Hope" poster for Barack Obama's presidential campaign. With a career spanning over two decades, Fairey has made significant contributions to street art, activism, and the intersection of art and politics. His work has influenced other street artists and garnered praise and criticism from various circles. Fairey's artistic prowess and social commentary make him a prominent figure in contemporary culture.

Analysis of Views

Artistic Mastery: Readers praise the book for its extensive collection of artwork and photos, showcasing Fairey's talent as an artist. The textural feel created through collages behind black inked drawings is particularly highlighted as a standout aspect.
In-Depth Exploration: Many readers appreciate the book's in-depth exploration of Fairey's work, including his posters pasted all over cities in different countries. The inclusion of interviews with the artist adds depth to his career and provides insights into his creative process.
Engaging Storytelling: The biography aspect of the book resonates with readers who are interested in the history behind the work. The book offers an inspiring story that delves into the messages behind Fairey's art and his experiences throughout his career.
Political Commentary: Fairey's work often addresses political issues and sociopolitical commentary, which resonates with readers who appreciate the intersection of art and politics. The book provides a thought-provoking exploration of street art, activism, and the power of propaganda.
Visually Striking: The book's visual appeal is a common point of praise, with readers noting the high-quality reproductions and stunning images that showcase Fairey's iconic posters. The limited consistent color palette used in most of the work enhances the power of his rare uses of blues and greens.

Reasons for Recommendation

Comprehensive Collection: The book offers a complete collection of Fairey's work, making it an essential read for both long-time fans and those curious about the OBEY brand. It provides a comprehensive overview of his career, including his iconic posters and other projects.
In-Depth Exploration: Readers appreciate the depth of analysis provided in the book, which goes beyond a surface-level examination of Fairey's work. It delves into the messages behind his art and offers insights into his creative process, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in his work.
Engaging Storytelling: The biographical aspect of the book adds an engaging narrative to Fairey's career, providing readers with an inspiring story that highlights his journey as an artist and activist. It appeals to those who value the history behind the work as much as the art itself.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Limited Creative Process Exploration: Some readers wish the book included more information about Fairey's creative process, as this is an aspect that interests them personally. While the book covers his life and work extensively, it does not delve deeply into the creative process behind his iconic pieces.
Quality Concerns: A few readers mention concerns about the printing quality of the book, specifically regarding the shoddy binding that resulted in pages coming away from the text block. While this is a minor issue for some, it may be a drawback for others who prioritize book quality.

Conclusion

"Obey: Supply and Demand" by Fairey Shepard is a highly recommended book that offers readers a comprehensive exploration of the groundbreaking artist's prodigious output over 17 years. With its extensive collection of artwork, in-depth analysis, engaging storytelling, and thought-provoking commentary on street art, activism, and politics, this book appeals to a wide range of readers. While some readers express concerns about the quality of printing or the lack of exploration into Fairey's creative process, overall, "Obey: Supply and Demand" is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary art, street art, activism, or the intersection of art and politics.