Shepard Fairey: the global icon of urban art and screen printing

Step into the world of Shepard Fairey, the artist who took street art from city walls to the world's greatest museums. Creator of the OBEY movement and author of the famous Barack Obama « HOPE » poster, Shepard Fairey is today one of the most collected contemporary artists in the world. His graphic signature — faces with an intense gaze, floral motifs, stars and propaganda-inspired lettering — is instantly recognizable. At MTHOR we have gathered a selection of his signed and numbered limited-edition prints, each authenticated by our team before shipping. Whether you are a seasoned collector or an urban art enthusiast looking for your first piece, this collection gives you access to rare works carrying a strong political and aesthetic message, set to gain value over time.

The story of an icon: from the André the Giant sticker to the HOPE poster

Born in 1970 in Charleston, South Carolina, Shepard Fairey discovered skateboarding and punk as a teenager, two cultures that would lastingly shape his aesthetic. In 1989, while studying at the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), he created, almost as a joke, a sticker depicting the wrestler André the Giant alongside the word « OBEY ». Inspired by John Carpenter's cult film They Live, this guerrilla sticker campaign became a true underground phenomenon: the « Obey Giant » experiment questions the power of images, advertising and mass conditioning. André's face was soon plastered on city walls all over the world.

In 2008, Shepard Fairey entered history for good with the « HOPE » poster, a stylized portrait of Barack Obama in red, beige and blue, which became the emblematic image of the American presidential campaign. The work is now held at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington. Founder of the clothing brand OBEY Clothing and of his Studio Number One, Fairey collaborates with musicians, brands and institutions, while remaining a committed artist who champions environmental, social and democratic causes. His limited-edition screen prints are now highly sought after on the art market, making every signed print a coveted collector's item.

A unique craft: signed screen prints, letterpress and lithography

Shepard Fairey's work relies on demanding artisanal printing expertise. Most of his works are produced as screen prints: ink is pushed through a mesh screen, layer by layer, to achieve color fields of great purity and sharp contrasts. Other pieces use letterpress (relief typographic printing on thick paper) or lithography, each technique bringing a particular texture and depth to the final work.

What makes these prints valuable rests on three essential elements: the artist's handwritten signature, which authenticates each piece; the edition numbering (for example 250/450), which guarantees rarity and permanently caps the run; and the quality of the paper and inks, chosen for their longevity. The smaller the edition, the more the work is sought after by collectors.

The emblematic works of the Shepard Fairey collection at MTHOR

Our collection brings together signed editions that are particularly representative of the artist's style. You will find the NØISE/SSI Resurrectionem Ex-Mortuis Remix Print (signed, edition of 400), the result of a musical and graphic collaboration blending the committed imagery dear to Fairey; the Green Power Factory Letterpress Print (signed, edition of 450), a visual manifesto for clean energy produced through letterpress printing; and the OBEY Diamond Flower Print (signed, edition of 550), where the decorative floral motif meets the characteristic OBEY iconography. Beyond these pieces, Shepard Fairey's universe is punctuated by recurring icons — the face of André the Giant, the rose, the star, the red, cream and black palette, the subverted propaganda lettering — all markers that make every print an instantly identifiable work and a testament to contemporary street art culture.

Why buy your Shepard Fairey print at MTHOR

MTHOR Shop selects authentic urban art works and ensures the reliability of every piece offered. For Shepard Fairey prints, our team checks the elements that determine the value of a collector's edition: the presence of the artist's handwritten signature, the edition numbering, the consistency of the paper, inks and format with the official run, as well as the condition of the work. Every order is prepared with the greatest care and shipped in a rigid protective packaging suited to transporting works on paper. Learn more about our authentication process.

We offer worldwide delivery in 2 to 8 days to your door, signature required, with real-time tracking by email and WhatsApp, payment in 4 interest-free instalments via Klarna or Scalapay, and a customer service team based in France, available Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. No customs fees are charged to you, whatever your destination. Should any issue arise, our 14-day return policy protects you.

FAQ — Shepard Fairey prints at MTHOR

How do I verify the authenticity of a Shepard Fairey print?

An authentic print is recognized by the artist's handwritten signature and its edition numbering (for example 120/400). Our team checks these elements along with the consistency of the paper, inks and format with the official run before every shipment. To find out more, see our authentication process.

Are the works signed and numbered?

Yes. The prints in this collection are limited editions hand-signed by Shepard Fairey and numbered. The total number of copies (for example « edition of 450 ») is indicated on each product page: the smaller the run, the rarer the work.

How is the work packaged and shipped?

Each print is shipped flat or in a rigid tube depending on its format, in protective packaging designed for works on paper, to avoid any creasing or damage during transport.

What is the delivery time?

We ship everywhere in the world, with home delivery against signature within 2 to 8 days. You benefit from real-time tracking by email and WhatsApp, whatever your destination.

Will I have to pay customs fees?

No, no customs fees are charged to you. MTHOR covers all customs duties and taxes in full, whatever your destination in the world. The price shown on the site is the final price you pay: no nasty surprises on delivery.

Can I return my work if it doesn't suit me?

Yes. You have 14 days after receipt to return your print to us, provided it is in its original condition. The refund is processed within 24h of receiving the return.

Going further

Also discover our Art Toys universe and our Artist Plate Project selection. To learn everything about the reliability of our pieces, see our detailed authentication process.