I. INTRODUCTION – THE BEATLES, THE MYTH, AND THE MESSAGE

Shepard Fairey's Beatles pieces aren't just nostalgic tributes—they're visual reinterpretations of the most influential band in history. Merging music, activism, and iconography, Fairey isolates moments from Beatles mythology and reframes them in the language of political art. These prints aren't about album covers—they're about ideological resonance.

From the anarchic charm of Four Giant Beatles (1996) to his collaborations with the estates of George Harrison and John Lennon, Fairey treats the Fab Four not as sacred figures, but as cultural triggers. This segment details the three core works in the Beatles visual series: Four Giant Beatles, Poster for George, and Lennon: Peace & Liberty—each analyzed with symbolism, production details, and 2025 collector values.

II. WORK 1: Four Giant Beatles (1996)

Set of 4 screenprints | Approx. 18x24" each | Estimated Edition: <100
Originally street-distributed; later APs retained by studio

One of Fairey's earliest known Beatles works, Four Giant Beatles echoes his original Obey Giant stencil approach: bold outlines, hand-cut feel, and a defiant twist on pop iconography. Each Beatle—John, Paul, George, and Ringo—is depicted with harsh shadows, red/black contrasts, and bold framing.

Symbolism:

• Modeled on punk gig flyers, not album art
• Fonts and layout resemble 1980s street agitprop
• Subtle asymmetries hint at each member's later ideological divergence

Collector Notes:

• Mostly distributed as paste-ups and low-run screenprints
• Intact sets nearly impossible to find; 1 confirmed in Gregg Shienbaum Gallery archives

Available for Acquisition:

• Est. Value (2025): $8,000–$10,000+ for intact matched set
• Condition: Studio-restored set and 2 partials available

III. WORK 2: Poster for George (George Harrison Tribute – 2014)

18x24" screenprint | Edition of 400 per colorway | Signed & Numbered

Commissioned by the Harrison estate, this piece coincided with the Apple Years box set release. Fairey's portrait of George radiates spiritual cool—surrounded by psychedelic patterns, vinyl textures, and Bengali-inspired mandalas.

Design Cues:

• Uses George's actual lyrics in the background ("Sir Frankie Crisp" references)
• Two colorways: crimson/gold and grayscale/silver
• Mandala framing directly inspired by Indian textile woodcuts

Collector Response:

• Sold via GeorgeHarrison.com and ObeyGiant; instant sellout
• Displayed in Traveling Wilburys tribute exhibit, 2016

Available for Acquisition:

• Est. Value (2025): $800–$1,200 (red); $700–$1,000 (silver)
• Condition: Near mint copies in both colorways

IV. WORK 3: Lennon – Peace & Liberty (2017)

18x24" screenprint | Edition of 300 per variant | Co-signed by Bob Gruen & Fairey

This piece transforms Bob Gruen's iconic 1974 photo of John Lennon in front of the Statue of Liberty into a work of post-patriotic commentary. In Fairey's hands, Lennon's peace sign becomes a revolutionary gesture, wrapped in torn flyers and liberty slogans.

Highlights:

• Two colorways: red/gold and blue/white
• Collaged background features vintage protest signage and torn constitution text
• Co-signed by Bob Gruen, who captured the original photo

Symbolism:

• Echoes Lennon's deportation fight against the Nixon administration
• Statue of Liberty re-centered as a contested space for artistic freedom

Available for Acquisition:

• Est. Value (2025): $900–$1,400 (co-signed, framed); $600–$850 (unsigned standard)
• Condition: Multiple framed and flat pieces available

V. THE BEATLES AS ACTIVIST CANON

Fairey's Beatles aren't just nostalgia—they're ideological devices. George becomes the mystical sage; John the urban dissident. Even the early Four Giant Beatles—with their punk zine energy—feel more like warning posters than commemorative portraits.

These pieces attract both traditional collectors and activist archivists. They're used in educational settings, music venues, and even political campaigns. With only a handful of official Fairey Beatles pieces ever produced, demand far exceeds supply.

VI. NEXT IN SEGMENT 2

• Analysis of rare APs and unreleased Lennon/Harrison prints
• Valuation tables for split and full acquisitions
• Beatles influence in Fairey's Sound & Vision exhibits
• Collector case studies (NYC, Tokyo, Berlin)

All works above are available for acquisition. Inquire for inventory, framing, and provenance.

© 2025. For collector and gallery reference only. Segment 2 forthcoming.