Noam Chomsky (Large Format)

Work Summary & Collector Notes

Noam Chomsky (Large Format) is a 2019 Shepard Fairey screen print, published by Obey Giant in a signed, numbered first edition of 89, measuring 30 x 41 inches on Coventry Rag archival cotton paper with hand-deckled edges. Part of the "Facing the Giant: Three Decades of Dissent" series, it presents philosopher Noam Chomsky as a punk icon on a stylized magazine-cover composition. Chomsky appears with a steely gaze in shades of electric blue, highlighted by a bright orange arrow. A lyrical caption set to a song melody by punk band The Clash credits Chomsky with Fairey's political awakening, framing him as a kindred spirit in graphic dissent.

Collector notes: First Edition · Large Format; saved release record states an edition size of 89. The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition. Gauntlet groups this work under Music and counterculture for discovery; that category is a navigation aid, not an authentication conclusion.

Historical Context

In the artist's words / from the release record:

“The next print in the "Facing the Giant: Three Decades of Dissent" print series is "Chomsky." Here's how co-curator, Pedro Alonzo explains the work:? Fairey has found a kindred spirit in philosopher Noam Chomsky, who transforms into a punk icon on this stylized magazine cover that contains subtle nods to the origins of Fairey's own graphic dissent campaigns. For the artist, Chomsky's linguistic theory brought to light how language can be manipulated in deceptive ways. Arguing that politicians and big business strive to "manufacture consent," Fairey appreciates how Chomsky reveals these tactic

Documented Release Details

Object type

Editioned screenprint

Release date

2019-10-01

Release-date note

Catalog-listed release year/date from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.

Series

Portrait Series

Medium and materials

Screen Print; catalog dimensions 41 x 30 in; archival paper noted in the release description.

Edition details

First Edition · Large Format; saved release record states an edition size of 89.

Signature and marks

The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.

Documented History and Meaning

History note: Shepard Fairey's OBEY / Andre the Giant campaign began in 1989 and grew into a long print and public-art practice; this page treats that as career context, not proof that this specific edition belongs to any single exhibition.

Meaning / interpretation: In the artist's or release record's own words: “The next print in the "Facing the Giant: Three Decades of Dissent" print series is "Chomsky." Here's how co-curator, Pedro Alonzo explains the work:? Fairey has found a kindred spirit in philosopher Noam Chomsky, who transforms into a punk icon on this stylized magazine cover that contains subtle nods to the origins of Fairey's own graphic dissent campaigns. For the artist, Chomsky's linguistic theory brought to light how language can be manipulated in deceptive ways. Arguing that politicians and big business strive to "manufacture consent," Fairey appreciates how Chomsky reveals these tactic. This can be read as the documented intent for the work; no additional endorsement is assumed. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.

Release context: The saved catalog lists 2019-10-01 and attributes the edition to Obey Giant. It is grouped under Portrait Series in the saved record. The saved record notes an original release price of USD $900.00.

Authentication, Presentation and Provenance

Original presentation

Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.

Authentication note

Compare the support, dimensions, edition number, and signature against a documented example of this edition. Gauntlet Gallery does not authenticate works purchased from third parties.

Provenance note

Edition origin is attributed in the saved record to Obey Giant. That does not establish the ownership history of an individual copy: retain the original invoice, reseller or gallery paperwork, labels, correspondence, and condition photographs.

Sources and Verification

Verification status: Secondary catalog snapshot; artist-level context added

1. Saved release record — Art Collectorz · secondary catalog snapshot · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Starting record for title, date, edition, dimensions, medium, release price, and release description. Primary confirmation against the original release page remains pending.
2. About — Shepard Fairey / OBEY GIANT — Obey Giant · primary artist source · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Official OBEY GIANT artist biography and career context; it is not an individual-edition record.
3. Shepard Fairey — Wikipedia · reference encyclopedia · Accessed 2026-07-13 · General artist-level biographical and career reference.
4. Shepard Fairey (Q1142847) — Wikidata · reference knowledge base · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Structured identifier used for the artist across catalog metadata.