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In the wake of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which urged for increased international collaboration, Migrate Art announces the arrival of world renowned American artist Shepard Fairey in London!
Thanks to the generous support of the Ford Foundation and the U.S. Embassy in London, Shepard Fairey has been painting a larger-than-life mural that aims to ignite a global conversation on climate awareness.
Image Courtesy the artist ObeyGiant.com / Photographer Jonathan Furlong
Renowned for his impactful art addressing social and environmental justice, Shepard Fairey’s latest mural aims to emphasise the significance of conversations about climate change and the crucial role of art in reconnecting us with pressing global issues.
Image Courtesy the artist ObeyGiant.com / Photographer Jonathan Furlong
Titled ‘Rise Above Earth Justice’, the mural employs symbolic imagery to communicate the powerful message that we have the ability to overcome the injustices of environmental neglect and work towards a healthier planet.
Image Courtesy the artist ObeyGiant.com / Photographer Jonathan Furlong
Shepard Fairey discusses the inspiration behind his impactful mural “Rise Above Earth Justice.”
“This mural is titled ‘Rise Above Earth Justice’ and uses symbols to convey the message that it is within our power to “rise above” the injustice of environmental irresponsibility and push for a more healthy planet. I believe that our individual and collective actions will dramatically impact current and future generations, be it for the better or for the worse. It is our responsibility as the citizens of Earth to protect it,” Shepard Fairey.
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Image Courtesy the artist ObeyGiant.com / Photographer Jonathan Furlong
The striking design of the mural was inspired by collaborative workshops that involved young individuals from various communities in London. These workshops were supported by Global Generation, an organisation that focuses on connecting people with the natural world, and the Refugee Community Kitchen, which provides meals to feed society’s most vulnerable. The diverse perspectives and experiences shared during these workshops served as the foundation for the powerful symbolism portrayed in the mural.
Image Courtesy the artist ObeyGiant.com / Photographer Jonathan Furlong
During these sessions, the participants delved into various strategies aimed at enhancing access to nature and combatting air pollution. Shepard Fairey’s response to these crucial themes was the creation of a striking, stylised 15-metre tall flower, counterbalanced by the powerful symbolism of the scales of justice.
Image Courtesy the artist ObeyGiant.com / Photographer Jonathan Furlong
Darren Walker, at Ford Foundation, expressed the significance of art and community, stating:
“The stories we tell, and the art we create, help us define our communities and connect across countries and oceans. The Ford Foundation supports artist-driven projects rooted in meaningful engagement, and we are sponsoring Shepard Fairey’s mural art precisely because it embodies this spirit. Born out of listening sessions with the youth of London, Shepard has captured a deep commitment to climate justice in a stunning mural that combines a call to action with a powerful image of a blooming flower.” ~ Darren Walker at Ford Foundation
Over the past decade, Migrate Art has raised over £2.1 million through their creative initiatives, supporting displaced, indigenous, and homeless communities across the world.
Image Courtesy the artist ObeyGiant.com / Photographer Jonathan Furlong
Simon Butler, the founder of Migrate Art, expressed his enthusiasm about collaborating with Shepard Fairey, stating,
‘Having met Shepard 15 years ago and worked with him a number of times before, I can’t think of a better artist to engage with the local community and share a message of hope for the future of the world. The support provided by the US Embassy should be seen as a shining example for others to follow.’ ~ Simon Butler Founder Migrate
The magnificent mural ‘Rise Above Earth Justice’ stands tall at Alanby House, located on Boundary Street in London with the postal code E2 7JD.
Image Courtesy the artist ObeyGiant.com / Photographer Jonathan Furlong
U.S. Ambassador Jane Hartley emphasises the significance of art in diplomacy, stating,
“As the U.S. Ambassador, my job is to build connections between the American and British people. To me, the arts are a critically important aspect of diplomacy and building mutual understanding. Artists like Shepard Fairey are, in a sense, the ambassadors of humanity. Shepard’s work transcends borders, democratizes access to art, and intends to make the world a better, more just, place. I’m pleased to have played a role in connecting the social change mission of the Ford Foundation with Shepard’s talent to highlight the community’s deep commitment to climate action and justice. I hope the new mural will inspire all who view it, and provoke deeper reflection on our shared role as stewards of the earth. ” ~ U.S. Ambassador Jane Hartley
This inspirational project was produced by Migrate Art, Charlotte Pyatt and Simon Butler, is funded by The Ford Foundation, with the support of Ambassador Jane Hartley of the U.S. Embassy London and logistics coordinated by Global Street Art, as part of London Mural Festival 2024.
Image Courtesy the artist ObeyGiant.com / Photographer Jonathan Furlong
Shepard Fairey‘s “Rise Above Earth Justice” encourages us to Rise above and makes a strong statement about the urgency of the global dialogue on climate awareness. The mural employs symbolic imagery to communicate the powerful message that we have the ability to overcome the injustices of environmental neglect and work towards a healthier planet.
Image Courtesy the artist ObeyGiant.com / Photographer Jonathan Furlong
