Artist Statement
“This OBEY Fragile Cargo poster is a fusion of a few inspirations. The elephant and my wife Amanda meditating relate to the Buddhist philosophy that humans are part of nature, not above it, and must live in harmony with nature. The phrase "Rise Above" references transcendence, but is also one of my favorite Black Flag songs. The graphic elements also reference the aesthetics of travel tags and tickets which present a dichotomy… travel is great for broadening cultural perspective, but it has a heavy carbon impact. Karma asks us to consider the benefits and consequences of all of our actions. Al
About This Print
Fragile Cargo is a 2022 Shepard Fairey screen print, 18 x 24 inches, printed on thick cream Speckletone paper and signed by the artist in a numbered edition of 650. The image pairs an elephant with the artist's wife Amanda in meditation, surrounded by graphic elements echoing travel tags and tickets, alongside the phrase 'Rise Above.' Published by Obey Giant, the work draws on a Buddhist idea that humans are part of nature rather than above it, while the travel-tag motif points to the carbon impact of travel. Fairey notes a portion of proceeds benefits Greenpeace.
Market Context
Estimated market value: 145.0. Observed range 100.0–249.0. Latest recorded sale: Nov 20, 20. Value is the median of recorded public sales (>= $100); low-high shows the observed sale range.