I went to RISD and lived in Providence for 8 years. The Obey Giant campaign started there. I was recently invited to do a mural and print based on my Providence experience. The mural and print contain all Providence landmarks that were part of my life while I lived there. Some remain glorious while others have fallen into disrepair but found second lives in other ways. Providence was a center for the textile industry and the red striped tower is the former location of a huge textile factory called Atlantic Mills. The mill closed, but now the warehouse rents spaces to artists and bands. That is where my printing studio and skateboard ramp used to be. The train bridge is now abandoned but for years the bridge itself and the tunnel leading to it were graffiti spots and hangouts for artists, musicians and other miscreants. I actually put that icon face poster on the bridge years ago. You can see the train bridge from the 195 on the way to Seekonk. The Biltmore and the Industrial Trust buildind that looks like something from Gotham are architectural landmarks I like. The image is both celebrating Providence industry and Providence’s industriousness in the wake of declining industry. Duality, and finding a door to open resulting from another closing, are themes I address in my art that relate to Providence.
-Shepard
Shepard Fairey Providence Silkscreen 18? x 24? Screen Print, Numbered & Signed by Shepard Fairey; Gold Colorway Edition: 150 + Artist Proofs
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