Introduction
Shepard Fairey's bold, graphic style has led to multiple high-profile sales in galleries and auctions worldwide. Collectors seek out both original works and limited-edition prints, often at rapidly escalating prices.1
1. "Hope" (2008)
Cultural Moment: Created for Barack Obama's 2008 campaign, it became a global icon.
Auction Performance: Signed prints have fetched over $100,000 in top auction houses.2
Collector Appeal: Historic significance plus cross-collectibility in political and contemporary art circles.
2. "Obey Giant" Series
Foundational Work: Fairey's earliest experiment with street art, featuring Andre the Giant's visage.
Variants & Editions: Limited silkscreen prints with varying colorways remain highly collectible.
Price Range: Vintage prints (1989-1995) can command upwards of $20,000, while newer releases are more accessible.3
3. "Peace Woman" and Female Empowerment Themes
Social Commentary: These pieces highlight Fairey's focus on social justice and equality.
Market Trends: Post-2015, demand surged for artworks championing female empowerment.
Recent Sales: Prints or unique works can range from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on rarity.
4. Rising Editions & Rarity
Limited Runs: Fairey often issues print runs of 300-600. Rarer versions (artist proofs, hand-finished) fetch a premium.
Secondary Market: Online platforms like Artsy, Heritage Auctions, and specialist galleries track consistent value appreciation.
Conclusion
From the iconic "Hope" to rarer OBEY prints, Shepard Fairey's top-selling pieces underscore his cultural influence and the market's eagerness for socially charged art. Collectors looking to invest should focus on authenticity, edition sizes, and the artwork's cultural context.
Internal Link Suggestion: Find tips on Spotting Authentic Shepard Fairey Works in our authentication guide.
Footnotes:
1 Artnet "Shepard Fairey Auction Results," updated 2022.
2 Phillips Auction Sales Database, 2010–2020.
3 Heritage Auctions Historical Sales Data, 2018.
