Tonight in Los Angeles, Shepard Fairey (featured) will be opening a new show entitled 50 Shades Of Black at Subliminal Projects. The exhibition is centered around the third installment (also see 2011 & 2012) of new album cover artwork, a series of works that Shep is know for, inspired by the 12-inch record cover format. Along with original hand painted multiples, there will also be a box set of screen prints available each containing the 50 new designs. Rounding out the show will be part of Fairey’s own record collection as well as customized vintage turntables, all part of a record store installation. Opening night (RSVP) will also feature a performance by DJ Z-Trip.
“Music has taught me a great deal about connecting with a broad audience. Music is universal. I’ve had some very moving encounters with art in my life, especially in the street, but almost nothing can compare to the first time I heard the boots marching and first chord of the Sex Pistols’ “Holidays in the Sun”, or the air raid sirens leading into “too black, too strong” on the intro to Public Enemy’s It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, or the opening guitar scream of Black Flag’s “Rise Above.” Music is visceral, but also has the additional powerful layers of the lyrics, with their content and politics, and then there’s also the style and personalities of the musicians themselves. Compelling album covers have always been a great complement to great music. There’s something subversive about bundling seductive visuals with provocative ideas, or provocative visuals with seductive ideas. An audience that’s looking for escape doesn’t expect a confrontation and a call to action, but I believe the best music, and the best art, can deliver both. Call the approach hi-brow/lo-fi or lo-brow/hi-fi, but I try to use it in my artwork to capture the same energy and spirit that makes music so powerful.” – Shepard Fairey
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