The reference photo for Shepard Fairey’s Obama poster has been identified and the Associated Press claims it wants to get paid. The photo was shot in 2006 by photographer Mannie Garcia. Shepard preemptively filed a lawsuit attempting to protect himself from copyright infringement claims. While we’re no legal experts and we’re sympathetic to the photographer’s work, we think Shepard’s got this one. A catalyst for the legal feud may have been the acquisition of a related work by the National Portrait Gallery in Washington. It was purchased for an undisclosed amount of money.
This is not Shepard Fairey’s first encounter with the legal system. He has been arrested many times (most recently last Friday in Boston). By our estimation, he’s been arrested about fifteen times.
Photographer Mannie Garcia was very gracious. “I don’t condone people taking things, just because they can, off the Internet,†Mr. Garcia said. “But in this case I think it’s a very unique situation. If you put all the legal stuff away, I’m so proud of the photograph and that Fairey did what he did artistically with it, and the effect it’s had.â€
Our Friends at Filter and Apartment 3 are throwing what looks to be a kick ass befit for the Obama campaign this Saturday night from 7-11pm. We caught a sample sale this group did last year (minus the art show and DJ’s) at the Beauty Bar and scored two designer jackets, a tshirt and a wallet for $80. The art and DJ’s are certainly a bonus, and since People Food is on the flier maybe we’ll be lucky enough to catch a set. $10 donation goes to the Obama campaign but like most Filter events YOU MUST RSVP!
In this second collaboration with photographer Al Rockoff, Obey’s Shepard Fairey has created yet another powerful image in his signature style. Without a doubt this print will be strategically pasted around town in no time. If you cannot wait or must one of your own, this aptly named print will be released tomorrow at noon and will be priced at $50 in an edition of 450.
Our friends at Obey Clothing and Metropark are holding a T-Shirt Design contest that’s open to the public. Winners will get their T-Shirts made by Obey Clothing and sold exclusively through Metropark stores, and will get paid in cold hard cash. They’re even giving away Obey Clothing and Metropark gift cards to to 4 lucky runner ups.
This year’s contest includes submissions for both Men’s and Women’s categories, which means your shot at winning is twice as good. You can submit your design or just rate other peoples on Metropark’s website. Good luck!
Obey Clothing and Metropark are holding a T-Shirt Design contest that’s open to the public. You can submit your design or just rate other peoples on Metropark’s website. Winners will get paid for there design(s) and have them be produced by Obey Clothing and sold exclusively at Metropark stores.
Our friends at 
