Winter Solstice 2008

Pasatiempo

All's Fairey in national politics

The image is iconic in contemporary political art. And it's been inside your head for more than a year. Art critic Peter Schjeldahl of The New Yorker has referred to it as "the most efficacious American political illustration since 'Uncle Sam Wants You.'" Indeed, it may still be seen in a variety of places, including during your daily commute. Just look for it on the tailgates and rear windows of nearly every other pickup and car in a town of liberal-minded voters — that simple red, white, and blue head-and-shoulders shot of Barack Obama peering outward in a pensive gaze with the word "hope" written across the bottom. The image was designed by Los Angeles street artist Shepard Fairey in 2008. »Story

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