Shepard Fairey (OBEY) - Make Art Not War - 2000s

Artist: Shepard Fairey (OBEY)
Title: Make Art Not War

on high-quality art spotted paper

Signed by Shepard Fairey

Dimensions: 91 x 61 cm

Origin: U.S.A.

Not framed


This artwork, created during the Iraq War, reinterprets the famous anti-war slogan of the 1960s, “Make love, not war,” to advocate for creative expression over acts of destruction. Fairey draws inspiration from the Art Nouveau aesthetic, which influenced 1960s hippie and psychedelic art, including anti-Vietnam War posters.

The central female figure, framed by a floral garland, exudes confidence and realism rather than an ethereal quality. Below her portrait, two paintbrushes are depicted, symbolizing traditional tools of art-making. However, their arrangement mimics spears, adding a sharper undertone to the message. Combined with the “OBEY” directive on her neck, the composition makes the otherwise harmonious message more provocative and thought-provoking.

This poster, titled Make Art Not War, was created by Shepard Fairey, a contemporary street artist, graphic designer, and activist. Fairey is best known for his “OBEY” art campaign and the iconic HOPE poster for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.

The Make Art Not War design is a statement promoting creativity and peace over conflict and destruction. Its bold red, black, and cream color palette, intricate floral motifs, and central female figure evoke the style of propaganda art, reinterpreted for a message of positive activism. The word “OBEY,” present in the design, refers to Fairey’s ongoing campaign questioning authority and consumer culture.

Fairey often uses his work to raise awareness of social and political issues, blending graphic design with activism to inspire change. This piece is a call for the transformative power of art in building a better world.