The Carnegie Arts Center will present FACING THE GIANT—Three Decades of Dissent, an exhibition of artwork by internationally recognized artist Shepard Fairey.  The exhibition will be on view from Sept. 16 through Dec. 20 in the CAC’s Ferrari Gallery. 

Propagandist and provocateur are words used to describe Fairey, hailed as one of the originators of the modern urban art scene. Coming from punk rock, skateboarding, and rebellious subcultures, he started his career creating art in the street with stickers, posters, and murals. It was in 2008 that Fairey became recognized worldwide when he created the famous “Hope” poster featuring the image of Barack Obama. Since then, Fairey’s work has continued to reach the masses, inspiring the public on a global scale.

FACING THE GIANT presents a survey of the last three decades of the artist’s work. The selected artworks in the exhibition are hand painted multiples—screen prints on unique collaged backgrounds with added stenciling and embellishments. What began with an absurd sticker illustration of the wrestler André, The Giant, has evolved into an exploration of control. Fairey questions the political, corporate, and media establishments that seek to impact and influence our lives.

“The title of the exhibition references ‘the Giant’ that marked the start of Fairey’s Obey Giant art campaign (which is now a global brand), but more importantly, it sheds light on the giant issues he is always confronting through his art,” said CAC Director Lisa McDermott.

RELATED PROGRAMS

Family Friday: Printmaking, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 12. Free family art activity, sponsored by Turlock Dental Care.

Members’ Event: Conversation with the Curator: Preview & Gallery Talk, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 19. Event is free for CAC members.

Public Reception: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Sept. 19. Free and open to the public.

The Carnegie Arts Center is located at 250 N. Broadway, Turlock. For more information, visit carnegieartsturlock.org.