New Mural with Shoe and Yalt in Amsterdam

“Raise the Level” is what street artist/fine artist Shepard Fairey has always done regarding the level of political, social, and environmental discourse in any given room. At the STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam, where the shipping trade resides in the annals of history, you may also find yourself contemplating the ebb and flow of ocean levels. The question of how high future waters will lap at the doors of this establishment, nestled within a former maritime warehouse, has surely crossed the minds of those who tread its epic halls.

In town for his first serious exhibition here, which opens this weekend and runs through the first of October, the sharply satirical stalwart of activism and stunning graphic design on the street is surrounded by a cadre of fans and photographers gathering on the sidewalk as he floats with his crew on the lift above.

With deft choreography, he and his adept crew maneuver a lift to forge a new mural, seamlessly fusing his signature elements: symbols, incisive political commentary, and an embodiment of feminine resilience – somehow all of it converging in her unwavering gaze.

As ever, Fairey hopes to shake you from your apathy, if possible. The Californian voyager of street/punk/graphic aesthetics says the themes he follows in the new exhibition are “aimed at improving the ‘health’ of our planet but also addresses other urgent matters, such as nationalism, xenophobia, war, fake news, and threats to democracy.” There will be no doubt that he will do so convincingly.

Across the bottom of this new wall, which we’re proud to be able to share, are two collaborators styled rather wildly and in a complementary color palette. One is the OG USA crew captain and calligraffiti artist Niels “Shoe” Meulman. To his left is writing legend Yalt, who kills it. Integrated more directed into Shepard’s composition are the stylized letters of Shoe, perhaps reminding us that in matters of the planet and each other, it’s a good idea to “Handle With Care”.

“Printed Matters: Raise the Level” opens at Straat Museum Saturday, August 13th.

STRAAT: NDSM-Plein 1, 1033 WC Amsterdam Click HERE for more information about this exhibition.

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