Gauntlet Gallery
What is Shepard Fairey’s piece called “Flag 1 (Offset Lithograph)”?
Artist Statement
After receiving many requests for the MAY DAY Flag image as a poster, I decided to make an offset of the most requested version. In the land of Obey Giant� democracy works. Power to the people! -Shepard
Summary
Flag 1 (Offset Lithograph) is a 2009 offset lithograph by Shepard Fairey, published by Obey Giant at 24 x 18 inches and priced at $35. The source does not state an edition size. Fairey created it in response to many requests for the MAY DAY flag image as a poster, choosing to make an offset of the most requested version. His accompanying note, 'In the land of Obey Giant democracy works. Power to the people!', frames the flag image within his OBEY iconography and themes of power, presenting the work as an accessible offset reproduction of a popular design.
Why It Matters
Flag 1 (Offset Lithograph) illustrates how Shepard Fairey responds to demand within his collector base, producing an accessible offset version of a popular image rather than a limited screen print. The source explains he made it after receiving many requests for the MAY DAY flag image as a poster, selecting the most requested version to reproduce. This origin story gives the work interest as a fan-driven release and a window into how Fairey manages the popularity of his designs. The accompanying note, invoking the 'land of Obey Giant' where 'democracy works' and 'power to the people', ties the flag motif firmly to his OBEY iconography and his recurring play on power, propaganda and authority. As an offset lithograph at a $35 release price, it sits at the affordable, broad-access end of his catalog, contrasting with his signed and numbered editions. The source does not list an edition size, so claims about scarcity should be cautious. For collectors, its appeal lies in the recognizable OBEY flag imagery, the MAY DAY connection and its accessibility, making it an entry point into Fairey's iconography rather than a premium rarity.
Collector Perspective
Flag 1 (Offset Lithograph) suits collectors seeking accessible entry points into Fairey's OBEY iconography, given its affordable $35 offset format and recognizable flag imagery. Its origin as a fan-requested reproduction of the popular MAY DAY flag image gives it a relatable backstory. Because the source does not state an edition size and it is an offset rather than a hand-pulled screen print, buyers should view it as a broadly available poster-style work rather than a scarce edition. The 24 x 18 inch format is easy to display. It pairs well with Fairey's other OBEY power and propaganda themed works, fitting collections built around his core iconography and his commentary on authority.
Historical Context
Flag 1 (Offset Lithograph) dates to February 2009 and derives from Fairey's MAY DAY flag imagery, reproduced as an offset after popular demand. It belongs to his ongoing exploration of OBEY iconography and the visual language of power, propaganda and authority that runs from his early career through his mature work. The decision to issue an affordable offset reflects his recurring practice of balancing limited editions with broadly accessible reproductions. Released during his peak Obama-era visibility, it shows his catalog absorbing fan demand into the production calendar. Thematically it connects to his long line of power and consumerism imagery, including later money and Lenin-themed works, rather than to a specific protest moment.
FAQ
Why did Fairey make Flag 1 as an offset?
Fairey explains he received many requests for the MAY DAY flag image as a poster, so he decided to make an offset of the most requested version. The offset format kept it affordable and broadly available, responding directly to demand from his audience rather than issuing a limited screen print.
What are the production details?
Flag 1 is an offset lithograph measuring 24 x 18 inches, published by Obey Giant in 2009 and priced at $35. The source does not specify an edition size, so it is best understood as an accessible poster-style offset rather than a numbered limited edition.
What does the print's message mean?
Fairey's accompanying note reads, 'In the land of Obey Giant democracy works. Power to the people!' This ties the flag image to his OBEY iconography and his recurring themes of power and authority, presenting the work with his characteristic blend of propaganda styling and playful commentary.
Is this a rare print?
The source does not provide an edition size, and as an affordable offset lithograph at $35 it was produced for broad accessibility rather than scarcity. It should be viewed as a widely available poster-style reproduction of a popular image rather than a limited or rare edition.
Related Works
About the Artist
Shepard Fairey (b. 1970, Charleston, South Carolina) is an American street artist, graphic designer, and activist, and a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. His 1989 “André the Giant Has a Posse” sticker grew into the global OBEY GIANT campaign — an ongoing experiment in propaganda, obedience, and visual culture. He reached worldwide recognition with the 2008 “Hope” portrait of Barack Obama, now held by the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Across screen prints, stencils, murals, and collage, Fairey channels propaganda aesthetics toward themes of peace, justice, environmentalism, and civil rights. His work is in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and LACMA.