Openings: Shepard Fairey – “May Day” @ Deitch Projects (Part 1)

Last weekend, Shepard Fairey (featured) held his latest solo show “May Day” at the legendary Deitch Projects in New York City and effectively shut down a small part of SoHo with the crowds he drew at the opening night festivities. It seemed as though anyone and everyone who had an interest in art was in attendance. Celebrities, artists, gallerists, art affectionados, collectors and loyal fans of Obey Giant came from all over the world to attend the show. Fans traveled from Germany, Memphis, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toronto, etc., to catch this perfect storm of Shepard Fairey’s first solo since Obama’s election and Jeffrey Deitch’s farewell show.

The record breaking attendance was the largest crowd ever for a Dietch opening. People were lined up hours before the opening to secure entry to the event. By the time the doors opened, the seemingly endless line wrapped deep into the adjacent Grand St. After seeing the mob of fans grow after the first hour, the gallery and Obey crew quickly ushered out the existing attendees to allow a fresh set of patient fans in to enjoy the beautiful show. After two more “gallery resets” and extended hours, it seemed that everyone who waited patiently gained entry. Props to Dietch and Shepard for the considerate planning to accommodate their loyal fans.

Of course, what Shepard Fairey event would be complete without a proper afterparty with DJ Diabetic on the wheels of steel. The Obey crew threw it down old school at a Dim Sum restaurant in Chinatown. A good time was had by all into the late night with Shep and crew.

All the photos after the jump…

Photos by Joe Russo (AM-NY)
Discuss Shepard Fairey here. Discuss this show here.