Digital News Report- Shepard Fairey, the creator of the famous “Hope” posters of President Obama, was arrested on Friday by Boston police on graffiti charges in several locations across the city. Fairey is also known for the Obey images and clothing line. Two warrants were issued for his arrest and he’ll face arraignment on Monday. If convicted, he could face up to three years in prison.
Fairey was on his way to the “Experiment Night” event at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), where over 750 people were waiting for his appearance. He was expected to kick off his first solo exhibit called “Supply and Demand.”
The ICA relased a statement regarding his arrest. They said, “we believe Shepard Fairey has made an important contribution in the history of art and to popular thinking about art and its role in society. We are enthusiastic to be working with him and are pleased to be showing the first museum retrospective of his work.” The show of over 200 of his works will continue to be on display through August 16.
Fairey is no stranger to legal troubles. He claims to have been arrested 14 times already and currently faces copyright troubles with the Associated Press over the “Hope” image. He argues that his use of the image falls under “Fair Use.”