Shepard Fairey’s Newest Work Celebrates the Bravery of Health Care Workers With a Digital Image Meant to Be Printed and Posted Anywhere

Street artist Shepard Fairey has joined
forces with Adobe to create a new series of works that celebrate
the health care workers and volunteers on the front lines of
the global pandemic. Titled “Honor Heroes,” the works
represent essential workers of all stripes, from mail carriers and
grocery store employees to teachers and sanitation works, as well
as doctors, nurses, and first responders.

One work, Fairey’s Guts Not Glory, depicts a
medical professional armed with a stethoscope in his graphic, color
blocked style. “Guts not Glory is an illustration of one
of the many healthcare workers whose selfless acts of compassion
and service are always meaningful, but at this moment are
especially heroic,” Fairey said in a statement. “I’m
inspired to glorify those who don’t seek glory, but rather to serve
humanity when it is most challenged. I want the portrait to emanate
the comforting warmth and empathy healthcare workers provide in the
midst of anxiety and crisis.”

Fairey, who rose to fame with his OBEY Giant
street art in the 1990s, has struck a chord in the past with
poster-style works that respond to current events. He designed the
instant classic Hope poster for Barack Obama’s 2008
presidential campaign, and, eight years later, he created a suite
of feminist images, titled “We the People,” for the
Women’s March that protested the election of Donald Trump.

The new Adobe initiative is a digital art collaboration
that will also feature works by artists and designers Aaron Draplin, Donna Adi, Jessica Walsh, and Ignasi Monreal, each of whom were inspired
by the personal stories of essential workers. The hope is that the
public will be similarly motviated to make works of their own in
tribute to these unsung heroes.

The tech company has also made a $3 million commitment to
organizations that are assisting communities around the world with
their response to the health crisis, as well as a $250,000 pledge
to Direct Relief as part of the “Honor Heroes” campaign.

“At Adobe, we are so grateful to those who are on the frontlines
every day keeping us safe. They are heroes, every single one of
them. And so we are inviting our amazing community to produce their
own original creative tributes honoring their heroes,” said Adobe
chief marketing officer Ann Lewnes in a statement. “Creativity has
the power to bring us all together even in the most challenging
times.”

The post Shepard Fairey’s Newest Work Celebrates the Bravery
of Health Care Workers With a Digital Image Meant to Be Printed and
Posted Anywhere appeared first on artnet News.