OBEY (photo example)

Rich Silfver · 09-05-2004

In the 90's Shepard Fairey started up a campaign called 'OBEY'.

It has resulted in 4,000,000+ stickers, 100,000+ posters and and countless stencil-sprayed signs being plastered all over the world. The main symbol is the kinda fat-looking obey-face (in my photo shown being held as a sign in the man's hand).

Would love to see other photographed observations of this sign. I didn't know about the campaign until someone on fotocommunity.de pointed it out to me. Honestly I must admit I haven't even bothered about understanding the purpose of the campaign but I am attracted to the idea of these images being posted all over the world in obscure places (this one was found near where I live on the backside of an old building).

More about the campaign can be found all over the internet by searching for OBEY but the main site seems to be this one - ObeyGiant

Camera used was my Leica M3, Summicron 50/2.0 lens and Provia 100F (my first roll of slide film through this camera).

back alley · 09-05-2004

never heard of this before either.
can't recall ever seeing the symbol.

but a possible monthly photo project comes to mind -- shooting obscure objects...

taffer · 09-05-2004

I think never saw that one but will have my eyes open. That gives me ideas for some projects, there seems to be an interesting bunch of 'street philosophers' out there.

Examples, well, fun things such as 'TV eats your brain' or 'Work killed my grandpa' (love that one

)

jdos2 · 09-05-2004

I've got some pix of Bob Dobbs from buildings, telephone poles, and other places I don't expect to see the silhoette of a pipe smoking happy man.

Is that close enough?

:-)

rover · 09-05-2004

I think I have seen this, probably in New Haven or Harford, CT. At least the image seems familiar to me. I will have to be alert the next time I come across it.

charlesfoto · 09-05-2004

I'm not familiar with either the signs or the campaign, but that sure is one sharp, well-exposed photo, Rich. Given the small latitude of slide film, your exposure was perfect.

Rodinal Addict · 09-05-2004

I see this logo fairly often here in funny Southern California. T-shirts, skateboards, things like that. I'll keep my eyes peeled, maybe I can submit a photo from around here.

Rich Silfver · 09-05-2004

That would make sense as it all started in L.A. about 14-15 years ago. Would love to see some photos. I posted the same on photo.net and got one photo from a sighting in NYC

bmattock · 09-05-2004

Quote:

Originally posted by jdos2
I've got some pix of Bob Dobbs from buildings, telephone poles, and other places I don't expect to see the silhoette of a pipe smoking happy man.

Is that close enough?

:-)

Ah, JR "Bob" Dobbs. My kinda guy. At least until the Xists arrive.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

rover · 09-06-2004

I am going to have to learn what this all means now, my curiosity is sparked.

I am thinking now that maybe it was at a skateboard park that I could have seen this.

rover · 09-06-2004

Found it,

http://www.inc.com/magazine/20040301/buzzguru.html

Rich Silfver · 09-06-2004

Rover, thanks for the article! Interesting read.

rover · 09-06-2004

In Inc. magazine too, a bit ironic.

taffer · 02-11-2005

HOLY COW !

Found them on the traffic light poles this morning !

TrySh · 02-11-2005

Heh! Shepard is the man!
I have long been searching for some streetart disscusions in photography and finally!

If you guys wnat to see some more pics on this great movement go to:
http://www.stencilrevolution.com/photopost/