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Shepard Fairey, Creator of Obama Hope Posters, Arrested…

By: Audreyanna Garrett, Feature Writer

One would suspect the way that the media has been publicizing Shepard Fairey’s arrest is solely based upon the fact that he created a poster, in honor of the President Obama’s vision, and is now being penalized for it. 

South Carolina native, Shepard Fairey, creator of the “Andre’ the Giant has a Posse” sticker campaign, “Obey” street art projects and President Obama’s Hope posters, was arrested due to warrants received January 24th.  The warrants were imposed because of graffiti vandalizing in two locations throughout Boston.  Fairey acquired a case to dispute copyrights of the image used in the creation of President Obama’s Hope Poster. Apparently the image was an Associated Press photo.  Fairey argues that his use of the image is protected with “fair use”; which allows exceptions based on several factors.  The case will be thoroughly reviewed because there is some truth and logic to his argument.  My assumption is that Associated Press only now wants to dispute the image because of the amount of publicity and money Fairey is receiving from his reinvention of the image. 

Fairey, a man of such talent and promise, is now subject to arrest because of 13 prior cases and poor judgment.  We must try and remember that we are individuals and that is never compromised.  We can not allow our desire to be different and challenge the odds get us in avoidable situations.  There is always a right way to be heard.  Street graffitti is illegal and if nothing else, is a ridiculous reason to be put behind bars.  Use your voice but use it wisely.

This entry was posted on Sunday, March 1st, 2009 at 1:36 pm and is filed under Decisions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.