Shepard Fairey, the celebrated artist known for creating the iconic “Hope” poster for President Obama’s 2008 campaign, has unveiled a new artwork in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential run.
The poster, simply titled “Forward,” features a powerful tri-color portrait of Harris and promotes her vision for the future.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, Fairey explained the inspiration behind the artwork.
“I believe VP Kamala Harris and her VP pick Tim Walz are our best chance to move forward,” Fairey wrote.
He expressed his belief that the Harris-Walz ticket represents a crucial push against the growing threats to democracy, stating they are “our best chance for creating the world we all desire and deserve.”
Fairey noted that Harris’s rallying cry, “We are not going back,” which she delivered at a recent Georgia rally and has included in her campaign ads, deeply resonated with him. “Those words summarize the moment we are in,” he said. “In order not to go back, we must go FORWARD! While we have not achieved all the goals we might be seeking, we are making progress — all in the face of expanding threats and regressive political adversaries.”
The “Forward” poster features Harris looking confidently ahead, with the word “Forward” prominently displayed in bold capital letters. The design mirrors the style of Fairey’s famous Obama poster, blending vibrant colors with a message of hope and determination.
Fairey, known for his activist art, clarified that the Harris artwork is a non-commercial project intended to support grassroots activism.
“I was not paid for it and will not receive any financial benefit from it,” he stated. “I created this work purely in pursuit of a better future.”
Fairey also made the poster available for free download, encouraging supporters to share and use it to amplify the campaign’s message.
This latest piece from Fairey continues his legacy of blending art and activism, using his creative talent to inspire political engagement.
