2023. Edition of 300
18” x 24” (46 x 61cm)
Screen-print on Speckletone cream paper
Original Illustration based on photograph by Karen Bystedt. Numbered and Signed by Shepard Fairey and Karen Bystedt
"I’ve been a fan of Andy Warhol’s art since high school. At first, his works’ iconic nature and sophisticated color theory attracted me. As I learned more about him, I developed an appreciation for Warhol’s philosophy to bring art to a broader audience by using imagery from pop culture and working with musicians like the Velvet Underground and founding Interview Magazine. Warhol additionally made himself part of the pop art conversation by socializing prolifically and making self-portraits. I have made several tributes to Warhol over the years, including playful remixes of some of his images. When Karen Bystedt showed me her photos of Warhol from 1982, I was captivated by his piercing gaze straight into the lens. I felt compelled to make art based on Karen’s photo, and I’m grateful she allowed me to work from her wonderful picture! Translating photos into captivating art that further amplifies the subject’s power is exactly what Warhol did, so I feel this art piece is fittingly “Warholesque” by aiming for the same. - Shepard Fairey
"Shepard and I are both deeply connected to Warhol, and share in his innovative portraiture. We partnered for this print, commemorating what would be his 96th birthday. Shepard’s artwork based on my photograph of Andy Warhol is brilliant and I hope it will inspire you as it has me." - Karen Bystedt