What is Shepard Fairey’s piece called “Rise Above Arrows Pattern”?

Summary

Rise Above Arrows Pattern is a 2007 Shepard Fairey screen print published by Obey Giant in a first edition of 100 at 18 x 24 inches. The title ties it to Fairey's recurring 'Rise Above' motif and to his decorative pattern-based prints, combining his signature slogan with repeating arrow imagery. No detailed description accompanies this record, so the reading is cautious. With only 100 in the edition, it is among the smaller runs in this group and likely functioned as a pattern-oriented companion within Fairey's broader Rise Above and ornamental print families.

Why It Matters

Rise Above Arrows Pattern joins two distinct threads in Fairey's work: the 'Rise Above' slogan, a long-standing personal and political mantra in his output, and his ornamental pattern prints that emphasize repetition and decorative structure over a single image. The arrow motif lends a directional, upward energy that reinforces the 'Rise Above' message. Because the record lacks a full description, its importance rests on this thematic placement rather than documented detail, so it should be read as part of the pattern and Rise Above families rather than a standalone statement. For collectors, the standout feature is the small edition of 100, notably tighter than the 300-run prints common in this batch, which gives it relative scarcity within Fairey's 2007 output. That smaller run, combined with the recognizable Rise Above branding, makes it attractive to collectors who pursue both the slogan series and Fairey's pattern works. Its appeal is rooted in scarcity and series membership more than in a singular narrative, positioning it as a collectible companion piece for those building a complete Rise Above or pattern-focused grouping.

Collector Perspective

This print appeals to collectors of Fairey's Rise Above slogan works and to those who favor his decorative pattern prints. The edition of 100 is the key draw, giving it relative scarcity compared with the larger runs around it and making it desirable for completists. It fits collectors assembling a Rise Above grouping or a set of Fairey's repeating-pattern designs. The 18 x 24 format frames cleanly and its ornamental structure makes it work well as part of a clustered, pattern-led display. Because the record lacks a full description, cautious buyers should confirm specifics, but it slots naturally into a pattern or slogan-themed Fairey collection from 2007.

Historical Context

Released in February 2007 by Obey Giant, Rise Above Arrows Pattern sits within Fairey's Posters and Propaganda era and reflects two parallel strands of his practice at the time: the ongoing use of the 'Rise Above' slogan and a growing body of decorative, repeating-pattern prints. The smaller edition of 100 distinguishes it from the larger runs that dominated his contemporaneous output. It belongs alongside other pattern-based releases such as the Yen and Japanese pattern prints and the earlier Rise Above Stamp, indicating a studio interest in ornamental, motif-driven compositions during this period. With limited source detail, it is best understood as a companion within these pattern and slogan families.

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Related Works

Rise Above Stamp2006 · Shares the 'Rise Above' motif from the prior year

Yen Pattern (Black / Red)2007 · Same-year repeating-pattern print in the same ornamental family

Japanese Pattern 2 (Black)2009 · Later pattern-based print continuing the decorative-pattern thread

Venice Pattern Set2009 · Related pattern set extending Fairey's ornamental print work

This Machine Kills Fascists (First Edition)2007 · Same-year Obey Giant first-edition screen print from the batch