Shepard Fairey Exhibit on Highland Inspired by Neil Young’s Americana

Iconic print and street artist Shepard Fairey has teamed up with legendary songwriter Neil Young to reinterpret some of America’s most classic folk music – think This Land is Your Land and Oh Susannah – and it’s all being showcased for the first time just up the street from Hancock Park  this Saturday evening, at the Perry Rubenstein Gallery on Highland Ave.

According to Fairey’s website Obey Giant,  the “Americana” collaboration was an outgrowth of earlier work Fairey had done for Neil Young on a show in 2010 and a charity project. “Neil really liked the art and I was thrilled he asked me to collaborate by making paintings inspired by the songs on his “Americana” album,” Fairey shared on his website. “I’m a huge fan of Neil’s music in general, but when I heard the album I realized how much the subject matter of several songs reflected the aspirations and tragedies of those pursuing the American dream tied into issues relevant to the 99% movement which I have been supporting.” Fairey details more about the creative process that unfolded between the Young and Fairey on Obey Giant. It’s a good read, and particularly interesting if you plan on stopping in for the Opening Reception, or visiting the show during it’s run at the Rubenstein Gallery until September 7th.

See some of Fairey’s murals on LaBrea between 1st and 2nd. To get a glimpse into Shepard Fairey’s creative process, click on the short film below about his  recent project with the Dallas Contemporary Museum. It’s fun to see how he works and the time lapse imagery is a real treat.