Obama’s viral art campaign: nostalgia, Pop Art, and propaganda

What started as a gesture by Los Angeles based graphic designer Shepard Fairey to show his support for a Presidential candidate has turned in to a street born viral marketing campaign for Democratic Nominee Barack Obama. It seems that Obama’s proposed policy for the future of the Arts has inspired a fervor at the grassroots level.

The recent months have seen a street movement in support of Obama, which the campaign itself has embraced. Obama for Artists features art and merchandise donated to the campaign by artists to raise money for the movement.

Denver based Andenken Gallery recenly hosted the Manifest Hope event which coincided with the Democratic National Convention. Manifest Hope took place in a 10,000 square foot warehouse where artists were invited to make and display work in support of a candidate considered to be a “Champion for Arts and Culture.” Coverage of the event can be seen on Jet-Set Graffiti.

The movement has inspired entire sites devoted to Obama artwork itself. The Obama Art Report offers “Daily reporting on the world of Barack Obama artwork, prints and auctions.” and encourages reders to “Invest. Collect. Document.”

Much of the work seems to be inspired by another time. Even Robert Indiana, famous for his iconic LOVE sculpture and prints, has unveiled a similar series using HOPE. Proceeds from the sale of HOPE imprints are going to support Obama’s Presidential campaign. Buttons, stickers and posters are available online via the Barack Obama Store.

Obama inspired art can be seen at the Obama Street Art Pool, which to date has 250 members and 866 photos. Collectors can also download original artwork from Changethethought as an “effort to better promote Barack Obama’s race for the 2008 Presidential Election.”