Obey’s story begins for many with graphic design and DIY art, centered around a crucial medium: the sticker. Shepard Fairey designed the now-world-famous Andre the Giant sticker in 1989 as part of his studies. It quickly grew into a phenomenon on the East Coast of the U.S., with stickers appearing across the streets.
For Fairey, who was interested in skateboarding and various subcultures, stickers were a way to get people to stop and consider their relationship with their environment. Founded in 2001, Obey Clothing continues this work: much like the stickers, the clothing designs serve as a new platform for thought-provoking art. Even more than just a medium for storytelling, Obey sees its clothing as a message.
