Shepard Fairey spills the beans on his Obama art

"You know, I actually don't know who took that photo.."

Two weeks after this interview with Shepard Fairey aired on NPR's Fresh Air I read that AP (Associated Press) is pursuing Fairey for infringing its copyright.

In a preemptive move, Fairey has now fired the first shot over AP's bow by filing a lawsuit to defend his position (Fairey v. The Associated Press, 09-cv-01123, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York.)

AP's spokesperson said the lawsuit was a surprise because the company was “in the middle of settlement discussions” and agreed not to sue until these were concluded.

Fair use vs. Permission So what's the heart of the story? Fairey says his work is protected by the Fair Use statute, which means that individuals can have limited use of copyrighted material for various purposes. AP's business is creating and selling stories that it owns so of course it says that this is poppycock: “The photograph used in the poster is an AP photo, and its use required permission from AP...it is crucial to protect photographers, who are creators and artists...Their work should not be misappropriated by others.”

Other experts can't agree. But I think I'll leave it to the Stephen Colbert Report on Comedy Central to decide the fate of the lawsuit.

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Obama Poster Debate - David Ross and Ed Colbert

Colbert Report Full Episodes
Funny Political News

Christian Bale Parody
Joke of the Day

Legit bootlegger The Smithsonian Gallery has acquired the original campaign poster and now the Institute for Contemporary Art in Boston has opened a 20-year retrospective of Fairey’s work until August 16th, 2009.

Low culture still rules...No Change

Fox's "American Idol" scored primetime's biggest TV viewers numbers on the day of President Obama's inauguration! Yep, 22.4 million viewers got bored of the celebratory coverage and switched over to see one the longest running reality shows instead. Not bored of that!

Still, Nielsen said that the previous low attention span for an inauguration came four years ago for Bush's second ceremony.

Hip-hop for Obama

Not one of Obama's best interviews, but he named Jay Z's "American Gangster" as a great story. He talks about "they", but when did you ever hear the next president (senator at the time of the interview) talking about hip-hop as an artform?! Even if change isn't here, politics has definitely taken a refresher course in what the people want.

And for this coming week's inauguration aka party time, the hip-hop heads are celebrating with parties across the country. If you're traveling to Washington D.C. check these out.

Monday 19th
The Stussy DC Chapter in conjunction with Commonwealth and rappers Wale and Bun B are hosting a "Historic" inauguration party on Monday January 19th from 6pm-9pm. Pass through and your have a chance to cop a Stussy DC limited edition commemorative t-shirt.

Bobbito and DJ Spinna and hitting D.C. too for their "Inauguration Edition of Wonderfull: Stevie Wonder Tribute Party." Phew, that's a long ass title!

DJ Spinna and Rich Medina doing something for the late night crew (2am 'till 6am) with their "What The Funk Inauguration Edition: James Brown vs. Fela."

Tuesday 20th
Funk 4 Pace Ball with DJs Afrika Bambaataa, Fort Knox Five + Live Vocal Performances and MCs between 8pm-4am (Modern 3287 M St. NW, Washington, DC20007.)

If you hadn't heard...OBAMA 364 vs. McCAIN 173

This is history folks...unbelievable! Rock the Obama mixtape here courtesy of Russell "Rush" Simmons and DJ Green Lantern.





Win or Lose These speeches show the true character and spirit of these men. Can't hate on them!

Politics or Partaaay?!

The youth have been running with Obama this whole campaign...Let's see if the Stussy, Upper Playground, Z-Trip, Obey etc. crews made a difference and can celebrate after the votes are in!?


Stussy Party With EF Crew from Expressive Frontier on Vimeo.

T minus 24 hours! Will these shirts from Digital Gravel be collectors' items or thrift shop booty?

Cool supports Obama

The Obama campaign got some modest, but vocal support from the LA cool crew: Shepard Fairey aka Obey and all of his propaganda styled pop art, plus musical support from the legendary DJ Z-Trip.

So, indirectly I put $20 into Obama's campaign fund, but it was all in the aid of a good party. You should be able to cop a download of the hour-long mix mash-up of political speeches, beats and basslines from Z-Trip's website soon...

Enough already...No More Obama!

Everyone's inspired by the race for the Presidency. For me, I'm bored and have been numbed from all sides as even the artists have got in on the act!

Upper Playground and Sam Flores did a nice poster to show support for the Obama campaign, but can you beat the propaganda king Obey? Nah, man! Posters, limited-edition eBay fare, t-shirts in Urban Outfitters...it's crazy!

Obama vs Clinton

Hollywood came to a stand still tonight as the Democrats had a fisty cuff aka the Democratic Debate.

Reuters reported it so I won't try to pretend I watched it ;)

"Just by looking at us, you can tell we aren't more of the same," Clinton, a New York senator who would be the first woman U.S. president, said at the final debate before Democratic nominating contests in 22 states on Tuesday. "We will change our country."

Obama, an Illinois senator who would be the first black U.S. president, said their battle for the Democratic Party's nomination in November's presidential election was a testimony to the progress of the party and country.

"We have the opportunity to make history because I think one of us two will end up being the next president of the United States of America," Obama said, sitting next to the former first lady."