Watch Obey Giant

In 2008, artist Shepard Fairey's 'Hope' poster became a cultural phenomenon in support of Barack Obama's presidential campaign. But behind Fairey's iconic images of Andre the Giant and other street art lies a story that isn't often told. Director James Moll's Obey Giant sheds light on Fairey's lifelong commitment to activism and art, tracing his roots as a skateboarding punk in South Carolina to his rise as a world-renowned artist.

Obey Giant is a documentary that explores the life and work of street artist Shepard Fairey. The film follows Fairey's rise to fame, documenting his work as a skateboarder, punk rock fan, and street artist. It showcases his artistic journey, from stickers and posters to large-scale murals, exploring his passion for subversion and his commitment to social justice.

The film also delves into the politics of street art, examining the tension between creativity and authority. Through interviews with Fairey and other artists, including Mr. Brainwash and Robbie Conal, Obey Giant explores how street art has evolved over time and how artists have pushed the boundaries of what's possible.

Obey Giant doesn't shy away from Fairey's controversies either. The film explores his complicated relationship with copyright law and his use of other artists' work. It also touches on how his art was appropriated by corporations for their own purposes, leading him to question the role of art and activism in contemporary society.

One of the key themes of Obey Giant is Fairey's commitment to activism. The film explores his involvement with the Occupy Wall Street movement and his "We the People" poster series, which features portraits of Muslims, women, and immigrants. Through interviews with Fairey's family and collaborators, Obey Giant shows how he uses his art to amplify the voices of the marginalized and the oppressed.

Pedro Alonzo, the film's producer, was Fairey's longtime friend and collaborator. Alonzo passed away before the film's release, adding an emotional weight to the documentary. Obey Giant is a loving tribute to Alonzo and Fairey's friendship, and to the power of art to inspire change.

Throughout Obey Giant, Fairey's art serves as a visual backdrop for the film's themes. Shots of his work in various locations, from Berlin to Los Angeles, add to the film's immersive quality. The documentary also includes interviews with Fairey's wife, Amanda, and his childhood friends, who provide a personal perspective on his life and art.

Ultimately, Obey Giant is an inspiring and thought-provoking documentary about the power of art to transform lives and communities. Through Fairey's story, the film shows the importance of creative expression in times of political upheaval, and the enduring influence of street art on the world at large.

Obey Giant is a 2017 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.