Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Shepard Fairey Print Index
CHOMSKY
Work Summary & Collector Notes
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 tactics in an effort to defy them. In the words that appear below his image, Fairey credits Chomsky with his awakening (“lent me the necessary sense”) to the system at work. This humorous lyrical caption, meant to be sung to the melody of a song by punk rock British group, The Clash, is shown beneath the elder theorist, shown with a steely gaze and in various shades of electric blue. Highlighting both the text and Chomsky with a bright orange arrow, Fairey playfully utilizes the abrupt angles to suggest the need to deviate from the norm in order to change the status quo. Serigraph on Coventry Rag, 100% Cotton Custom Archival Paper with hand-deckled edges. 30 x 41 inches. Signed by Shepard Fairey. Numbered edition of 89. SOLD OUT. Comes with a certificate of authenticity. All shipments are sent – Signature Required.
Collector notes: Edition of 89; saved release record states an edition size of 89. Edition-specific signature, numbering, and stamp details were not stated in the saved release record. Verify signing and numbering against a documented example of this edition. Gauntlet groups this work under Politics and democracy for discovery; that category is a navigation aid, not an authentication conclusion.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned print or object
- Release date
- 2019
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year/date from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- 30 inches by 41 inches.
- Edition details
- Edition of 89; saved release record states an edition size of 89.
- Signature and marks
- Edition-specific signature, numbering, and stamp details were not stated in the saved release record. Verify signing and numbering 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: Fairey's practice combines propaganda-style imagery, political and countercultural themes, and a recurring OBEY vocabulary. Subject-specific intent is not assumed here unless the release record states it. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.
Release context: The saved catalog lists 2019 and attributes the edition to Obey Giant.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Shepard Fairey — Wikipedia · reference encyclopedia · Accessed 2026-07-13 · General artist-level biographical and career reference.
- Shepard Fairey (Q1142847) — Wikidata · reference knowledge base · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Structured identifier used for the artist across catalog metadata.