E Pluribus Venom

by Shepard Fairey

E Pluribus Venom collects a large body of work produced by Shepard Fairey and presented at the Jonathan Levine gallery during his massive exhibition in the summer of 2007. Serving as more than just an exhibition catalog, this book expounds upon themes presented in the show. The title E Pluribus Venom which translates Out of many, poison is derived from E Pluribus Unum (out of many, one) an early motto adopted by the U.S. Government which appears on U.S. currency. The artist s thesis is that many becoming one, or a loss of power and influence of the individual in favor of homogeny is a symptom of a society in decline. E Pluribus Venom is comprised of artworks designed to question the symbols and methods of the American machine and American dream and also celebrate those who oppose blind nationalism and war. Some of Fairey s works use currency motifs or a Norman Rockwell aesthetic to employ the graphic language of the subjects they critique. Other works use a blend of Art Nouveau, hippie, and revolutionary propaganda styles to celebrate subjects advocating peace.

Genres: Art

129 pages, Hardcover

First published July 31, 2008

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice volume with well produced photos on rich stock, but a curious lack of informative captions or non-self-congratulatory essays brings down the overall quality.

[Parka · Rating 4 out of 5]

(More pictures at parkablogs.com)

Frank Shepard Fairey is a contemporary artist, graphic designer, illustrator and even DJ who emerged from the skateboarding scene. He's also a very prominent street artist, or a street vandal as the police would call him, having arrested him several times. But he's "one street vandal who has made good" as quoted by New York Times.

E Pluribus Venom is actually the name of the art show Sheppard Fairey held in late June 2007 in at the Jonathan LeVine gallery in New York City, and a temporary installation space in Brooklyn. Over 3000 people RSVP'd for the event. This book is a collection of his art work and photos from his exhibition.

The title E Pluribus Venom, which translates as "Out of many, poison," is derived from "E Pluribus Unum" (out of many, one), an early Latin motto adopted by the U.S. government that appears on U.S. coins and dollar bills. — from the book

His public posters are noted for iconic images created using a limited colour palette of mainly red and black. There's a very propaganda-style to the illustrations, using star burst effects, strong patterns, currencies as design elements. The result is a very textural feel. Many iconic images are reused with different backgrounds and collages, blending together to create the same visual impact as pasting posters over concrete brick walls.

Some of the messages are quite strong such as a piece on public service which shows an Obey policeman and says "I'm going to kick your ass and get away with it." Many other striking pieces play on the theme of war and the authority, such as the ones which put roses into barrels of guns.

This book should appeal to graphic designers and illustrators.

Sheppard Fairey has released a few books. If you just want one book, then you should check out OBEY: Supply & Demand - The Art of Shepard Fairey, which is the 20th anniversary art book. It has quite a few illustrations that are feature in this book.

[Deborah Barlow]

Fairey's collages are amazing.

[Gwyndolyn]

very engaging...

[Erik Albaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to be Shepard Fairey in my next life.

[Joshlynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's so much more to Fairey than Andre and Obama, and this beautifully presented tome shows that in spades.

[Mills College Library]

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