June 6 – September 6, 2026
FACING THE GIANT: THREE DECADES OF DISSENT presents a survey of the last three decades of work by Shepard Fairey, among the best known of American contemporary street artists, ranging from his early images influenced by punk rock and skate culture to more recent works focusing on social justice, environmentalism and political engagement.
Propagandist, arch manipulator, inciter, provocateur—these are all words used to describe Shepard Fairey, whom many hail as an originator of the modern urban art scene. In 1989, as a student at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Fairey ran a sticker art campaign called Andre the Giant Has a Posse. The project evolved into his trademark Obey Giant series, artistic manifesto, and a global phenomenon.
Drawn from work made between 1989 – 2019, FACING THE GIANT features a curated selection of 30 hand-painted multiples – prints on unique collaged backgrounds with additional stenciling and embellishments, as well as two additional Fairey prints from the Lyman Allyn’s own collection. These works track his evolution as an artist while highlighting consistent messages of empowerment.
The title ‘FACING THE GIANT’ references the giant of Fairey’s prolifically disseminated Obey Giant art campaign, but more enduringly, the giant issues and forces he confronts through his art.
O.G. Rips, 2019, Ed. 1/19, silkscreen and mixed media collage on paper, HPM, 30w x 41h.
In conjunction with FACING THE GIANT, Lyman Allyn is pleased to host a special installation of sticker art, partnering with The Annex as part of their annual Sticker Art Show. Sticker Art is a popular form of street art that involves using stickers to display images or messages on public surfaces. Rooted in graffiti culture, Sticker Art provides a diverse and dynamic medium for artists to express themselves and build community.
Sticker Art Show is curated by WORMO and MIAB. Sticker Art can be found at The Annex, Dutch Tavern, and Oasis Pub in downtown New London from May 30 to July 12.
About Shepard Fairey
Shepard Fairey was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. In 1989 he created the “Andre the Giant has a Posse” sticker that transformed into the OBEY GIANT art campaign, with imagery that has changed the way people see art and the urban landscape. After more than 30 years, his work has evolved into an acclaimed body of art, including the 2008 “Hope” portrait of Barack Obama, found at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. In 2017, the artist collaborated with Amplifier to create the “We The People” series, which was recognizable during the Women’s Marches and other rallies worldwide in defense of national and global social justice issues. Fairey’s stickers, guerilla street art presence, and public murals are recognizable globally. His works are in the permanent collections of the Boston Institute of Contemporary Art, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and many others. Shepard Fairey has painted more than110 largescale murals across six continents worldwide.]
About The Annex
The Annex is a modern concept of a collective artist space. Co-founded and operated by local artists who came together to build a community for like-minded creatives. A safe zone for individuals to sell their original and authentic creations, encouraging artists to develop their craft and business mind. Without compromise, we empower each other and grow together! A space for the community to shop authentically and support local artists.
The Annex is located at 140 State Street, New London, Connecticut 06320, open Thursday-Saturday 12 – 7 pm, Sunday 12 – 5pm. Learn more here.