Red Power, Black Truths: Shepard Fairey's China Series (Part 2)

Red Power, Black Truths: Shepard Fairey's China Series (Part 2)

Red Power, Black Truths: Shepard Fairey's China Series (Part 2)

August 31, 2025

Red Power, Black Truths: Shepard Fairey's China Series (Part 2)
The Evolution of Control: Fairey's China Series

Segment 2 of 2 | Gallery Catalog Essay
All works referenced are available for acquisition.

Featured Works (Continued)

5. Young Soldier (Sepia Letterpress) (2004)

  • Edition: 300
  • Size: 10x13"
  • Current Valuation: $300–$450
  • Symbolism: Child soldier imagery critiques political indoctrination

6. Propaganda Services (2015)

  • Edition: 450
  • Size: 18x24"
  • Current Valuation: $350–$500
  • Features: Overlaying text exposes propaganda mechanics

7. Chinese Banner I & II (2004)

  • Edition: 300 each
  • Size: 18x24"
  • Current Valuation: $450–$650 each
  • Visual: Revolutionary red with Mandarin text and Obey iconography

Market Analysis & Trends

Print Original Price 2025 Value ROI
Obey Mao $75 $800–$1,200 1,066%+
Chinese Soldiers $45 $500–$750 1,111%+
Ai Weiwei $65 $400–$600 615%+

Provenance & Exhibition History

  • 2006: "Supply and Demand" retrospective, first major showing
  • 2016: "Earth Crisis" Paris, China prints displayed alongside environmental works
  • 2019: Beijing underground exhibition (unofficial)
  • 2023: MOCA LA "Dissent in Design" featured complete set

Acquisition Strategy

For New Collectors: Start with Ai Weiwei Portrait or Guns & Roses for accessible entry points.

For Established Collections: Early letterpresses (Obey Mao, Young Soldier) offer strongest appreciation potential.

For Institutional Buyers: Complete matched sets tell the full narrative arc.

Conservation Notes

  • Red inks prone to UV fading—museum glass essential
  • Letterpress editions require 60% humidity control
  • Avoid direct lighting on sepia tones

Current Market Context

With US-China tensions at historic highs and Hong Kong protests fresh in memory, Fairey's prescient critique of authoritarian aesthetics has never been more relevant. Expect continued appreciation, particularly for pre-2010 editions.

Complete China Series sets available. Individual prints in stock. Contact for private viewing appointments.

© 2025 Gallery Catalog. Not for public distribution.

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