Gauntlet Gallery — Shepard Fairey Print Index
Mao Lesser Gods
About This Print
In 2003, Fairey dissected the graphic design of instruments of wealth and power such as currency, stamps, and stock certificates, resulting in a series of works about the intersection of economic wealth and political power. The minting of new currency featuring the portrait of the leader is an act characteristic of totalitarian regime. The numbered portraits of the infamous leaders 1) Lenin, 2) Mao, and 3) Nixon are surrounded by design elements commonly used for such documents, including ornate patterns and intricate motifs incorporated to confound counterfeiters. The artist inserts his own imagery including the Obey Star Icon and the word “Obey” into the composition. “In lesser gods we trust,” is a recurring phrase used by the artist. It is an alteration of “In God we trust” phrase used by the artist. It is an alteration of “In God we trust” found on the back of all US currency, signaling the contradicting term given that the separation of church and state is a founding principle of the constitution. Fairey’s use of the term refers to the process of deification of powerful leaders and the corresponding betrayal of public trust through corruption and abuse of power. Lesser Gods Lenin, Lesser Gods Mao, and Lesser Gods Nixon SOLD AS A MATCHING NUMBERED SET on Tuesday, September 24th @ 10 AM PDT at store.obeygiant.com/collections/prints for $2,000. SOLD OUT. Remaining inventory sold individually at 1 PM PDT, $900 each. 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. Comes with a certificate of authenticity. Max order: 1 per customer/household. *Orders are not guaranteed as demand is high and inventory is limited.* Multiple orders will be refunded. Internat
Market Context
- Liquidity & sales volume. Our liquidity rating reflects sales velocity — the number of recorded comparable sales and how recent they are. Extremely Rare means we hold no recorded public sales at or above $90 for this piece, so no market value is estimated.
- Not financial or investment advice. Provided for collector reference only; not an appraisal, offer, or solicitation, and not a guarantee of value. Art is volatile and illiquid. Do your own research; use is subject to our Terms & Conditions.
