Dope: Creator of Obama ‘Hope’ Poster Illustrates Trayvon Martin

May 24th, 2012 - By Brande Victorian

Thegrio.com

We all remember the stunning ‘Hope’ poster that marked Barack Obama’s first presidential election and now the artist behind that work has created an equally striking piece of art commemorating Trayvon Martin.

Shepard Fairey was asked by Ebony to create the illustration for it’s latest issue which is on newsstands now, and on his personal blog, the street artist explained the inspiration behind what he came up with.

“I have followed Trayvon’s case closely and I think any compassionate human being can relate to Trayvon as a brother or son and would want to see a thorough investigation into the killing of an unarmed person.  In my portrait I wanted to emphasize Trayvon’s humanity as well as the public outcry for a just investigation into his death.”

Fairey’s famous portrait of President Obama was installed at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington on January 17, 2009 and garnered him much critical acclaim from the masses. I wouldn’t be surprised if this image of Trayvon found a home outside of Ebony as well.

What do you think about his illustration?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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  • Idiestar

    I can feel the poster through his eyes, like he’s
    pleading for help and the people he has touched through his injustice he’s coming
    through them. Very nicely done.

  • TRUTH

    Great job.  Poor Trayvon!

  • FromUR2UB

    I like all of the posters I’ve seen in that style.  They’re reminiscent of those Andy Warhol pictures, but with current subjects.

  • Pingback: Famed Artist Shepard Fairey of Obama’s Hope Poster Illustrates Trayvon Martin « STREET KNOWLEDGE MEDIA

  • SickOfRidiculous

    Another great story today! I think the piece is wonderful!

  • L-Boogie

    It is very nice poster.

  • jackieOsassin

    i love it! he’s a wonderful street artist as well, he’s amazing.

  • Nitty

    Are we paying him for the work?
    Then he’s just a business man.
    All about money

    • Ms_Sunshine9898

      Ugh. . . You sound so bitter and ugly. .

    • http://www.facebook.com/JacobBrashears Jacob Brashears

      Yeah, that’s how a functioning society works. I’m pretty sure we all understand that.

  • http://kimster-thatswhatshesaid.blogspot.com/ Kimster

    I think the illustration is creatively done. Fairey has a way of not only creating art for you to see, but for you to experience; and the world has been pretty shaken by Martin’s killing and this case as a whole.

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