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'Hope' Artist Cops Plea in Vandalism Case

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 10, 2009 2:04 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Street artist Shephard Fairey plead guilty today to three counts of vandalism for displaying stickers and posters around Boston without permission, the Globe reports. He must pay a fine and is prohibited from carrying the tools of his trade—like wheat paste and brushes—in the county for 2 years. Fairey is most famous for his Obama “Hope” poster, though his trademark image is a stenciled likeness of wrestler Andre the Giant and the word “Obey.”

At the hearing today, Fairey apologized for “posting my art in unauthorized spaces without the consent of the owner.” He stressed his belief in “the importance of making art accessible through many avenues” and “freedom of expression,” but conceded the prosecution’s point, perhaps grudgingly. “I also believe it is important that people respect private property and do not use it without the authorization of the owner.”

Obey Giant Sticker.
Obey Giant Sticker.   (©berlinpiraten.de)
Artist Shepard Fairey in court today.
Artist Shepard Fairey in court today.   (AP Photo)
Artist Shepard Fairey stands in Boston Municipal Court today.
Artist Shepard Fairey stands in Boston Municipal Court today.   (AP Photo)
Los Angeles street artist Shepard Fairey.
Los Angeles street artist Shepard Fairey.   (AP Photo)
Shepard Fairey leaves Brighton District Court with his attorney after a hearing in March.
Shepard Fairey leaves Brighton District Court with his attorney after a hearing in March.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
NxBigmouthery
Jul 11, 2009 12:46 PM CDT
You can always tell a drooler by the pettiness of their argument.
Mr.C
Jul 10, 2009 8:48 AM CDT
stories change when one realizes they are caught
pwnage
Jul 10, 2009 7:06 AM CDT
Weird. I recall reading in the Boston Globe that his defense was that he wasn't even in the area to commit the alleged acts.

 
Boston • Massachusetts • vandalism • artist • graffiti • criminal trial • street art • Shepard Fairey • plea deal

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