Shepard Fairey

What is art? Can anyone define it? In the dictionary the definition states that art is "the products of human creativity." However, in society works have art have been criticized and torn apart for thousands of years. In history artists such as Picasso or Andy Warhol, have always had huge obstacles while trying to share their work. In the modern world there is so much conflict that any art that sparks opposition is usually taken down or shown in a negative spotlight. One artist who knows about the tyrannical power on the government is Shepard Fairey who was recently arrested in Boston on vandalism charges. Upon receiving this news, one may ask 'when did art begin to have boundaries?'

That question is nearly impossible to answer because for centuries artists have been arrested, beaten, bribed, or even killed to silence their creativity. Shepard Fairey already has 14 arrests under his belt for releasing his artistic flow and sadly he recently picked up his 15th. Fairey is one of the most admired and celebrated street artists in the world, who jumped to fame when his stencil of Andre the Giant surfaced. The 'Obey Giant' campaign produced stickers, shirts, pencils, and photos which were plastered across the world on buildings, signs, buses, trains, and countless other surfaces.

Almost twenty years after the 'Obey Giant' campaign, Fairey created another inspirational masterpiece. The familiar poster is a portrait stencil of a pensive looking Barrack Obama with the words HOPE stretched across the bottom of the picture. The "Obama poster" experience huge success and distributed thousands of shirts, posters, plates, and other memorabilia. Fairey's poster was THE poster of the 2008 Presidential Campaign. In fact, this poster was so huge that Barrack Obama himself wrote Fairey a letter expressing gratitude for his art. So now, many may wonder why this inspirational artist was arrested.

His arrest surprised many, even Fairey himself who was taken into custody on his way into his new exhibit in the Institute of Contemporary Art. The famed street artist has painted several buildings around Boston, making his art a usual spectacle in the city. Although, his murals have been widely admired especially those of Barrack Obama, Boston officials did not take his art lightly. His arrest stains the recent success Fairey has achieved and creates another example of the downfall of art in modern society. If the government uses its power to diminish art, then what will the world have left? If painting a picture of inspiration and hope warrants an arrest, then what is next?

What Now?

What Now?
By: Jen Bundy

In recent weeks, there is no doubt that newly elected President Barrack Obama dominated the media outlets and was the center of much excitement. His momentum into office is fueled by hope and faith that Obama will lead this country to success. However, little has been said about his processor George W. Bush. With Bush leaving behind an economic recession, two wars, and countless other conflicts there has been little remorse surrounding his departure. But some have to wonder, what now?

President Bush left behind his beloved homeland of Texas to journey to Washington D.C. over eight years ago to serve his terms in office. Many wonder, will he miss it? Being President must have become accustom to him and his family, just part of their daily routine. Will he miss the kitchen staff, who will serve every meal to your exact specifications? What about the beautiful history all within the walls of The White House? Or will they be rejoiced to journey back home to a warm welcome, and leave behind the close scrutiny and disappointment in Washington D.C?

In a recent interview with People Magazine, Laura Bush admits that as a family they will be looking forward to returning to Texas, where they have always held a home in Crawford. The Bushes are planning to spend their new free time relaxing on their ranch and slowing down their hectic pace of life. Both are quoted as saying, they will continue their charitable work which among other things, advocate education, feeding the hunger, and literacy. Although many may be looking forward to this new era of politics, some people such as Lorne Michaels, a writer on Saturday Night Live, will miss President Bush and the endless of jokes that surrounded him.