Lots going on in London right now, and in mural news, Shepard Fairey teamed with Migrate Art to create a new work, Rise Above Earth Justice, painted at Anlaby House, Boundary Street, Shoreditch. The project was funded by the Ford Foundation with the support of Ambassador Jane Hartley of the U.S. Embassy in London, and produced by Migrate Art, Charlotte Pyatt and Simon Butler.
"This mural is titled Rise Above Earth Justice and uses symbols to convey the message that it is within our power to 'rise above' the injustice of environmental irresponsibility and push for a more healthy planet," Fairey said. "I believe that our individual and collective actions will dramatically impact current and future generations, be it for the better or for the worse. It is our responsibility as the citizens of Earth to protect it."
The mural design was inspired by a series of 2024 workshops held with young people from London, supported by Global Generation and long time collaborator Refugee Community Kitchen (RCK). Discussion focused primarily around increased access to nature and air pollution to which Fairey has responded with a bold, stylised flower standing 15 meters tall, balanced by the scales of justice.
The Mural can be found Anlaby House, Boundary Street, London E2 7JD. This project was produced by Migrate Art, Charlotte Pyatt and Simon Butler, is funded by The Ford Foundation, with the support of Ambassador Jane Hartley of the U.S. Embassy London and logistics coordinated by Global Street Art, as part of London Mural Festival 2024.
"As the U.S. Ambassador, my job is to build connections between the American and British people," U.S. Ambassador Jane Hartley said. "To me, the arts are a critically important aspect of diplomacy and building mutual understanding. Artists like Shepard Fairey are, in a sense, the ambassadors of humanity. Shepard’s work transcends borders, democratizes access to art, and intends to make the world a better, more just, place. I’m pleased to have played a role in connecting the social change mission of the Ford Foundation with Shepard’s talent to highlight the community’s deep commitment to climate action and justice. I hope the new mural will inspire all who view it, and provoke deeper reflection on our shared role as stewards of the earth."
