OBEY THE GIANT, Short Film About Shepard Fairey’s Early Years & the Origins of OBEY GIANT

“OBEY THE GIANT” is a short film about the formative years of artist Shepard Fairey and the origin of his “OBEY GIANT” street art campaign. The film focuses on Fairey’s time at Rhode Island School of Design (1989-1992), during which the artist installed his first piece of André the Giant-themed street art. The film was directed by Julian Marshall.

Frustrated by his inability to gain respect within the confines of art school Shepard sets out to gain notoriety and acclaim by targeting the most powerful man in Providence, former Mayor Buddy Cianci. Risking expulsion and jail time Shepard plasters Andre the Giant’s face over the image of Cianci on a campaign billboard. As word of Shepard’s prank gets out, Shepard learns that art is a weapon and attention is both a blessing and a curse.

via OBEY GIANT