Overview
Sydney's been enjoying some serious wall work of late, with Austrian street artist Nychos recently dropping by to create a colossal piece in Chippendale, and Sydney artist MCRT taking over Paddington's walls. But we're about to get a good dose of international game-changer, with iconic US street artist Shepard Fairey heading to Sydney to install a brand new work for Vivid Sydney, announced this morning.
If you're not across Fairey's work, just punch 'Obama Hope' or 'Obey Giant' into Google. Yeah, he's the guy. Instantly recognisable and internationally acclaimed, Fairey's works are dotted around the world, from street walls to major gallery institutions — and he's left around 70 large-scale public murals in his wake. Returning to Australia for the first time in 14 years, Fairey's been invited to Sydney as part of the 2017 Vivid lineup, making his first ever Australian mural while he's here. Head to 309 George Street in Sydney's CBD between June 12 and 17 to watch him work.
Fairey will also be talking the talk while he's in town, topping the bill for the Vivid Ideas 'Game-Changer' talk series. He'll appearing at Sydney Town Hall on June 17, to talk eager ears through his body of work, his DIY style and his role in shaping global street art into its current state. Plus, Fairey will be putting on a free public exhibition of his music-themed work in Darling Quarter from May 26 to June 17 — looks like Vivid isn't planning on wasting the trip.
Check out the rest of the Vivid lineup here.
Images: Shepard Fairey, Barack Obama 'Hope' poster, 2009, Wikicommons, and Jonathan Furlong.