TOW #25: Visual: "Hope" by Shepard Fairey

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-arnon/how-the-obama-hope-poster_b_133874.html

 In 2008, the election for the next president of the United States of America took place. With Barack Obama as the candidate for the Democratic party and John McCain as the candidate for the Republican party, the election received much participation and passion due to one of the candidates. If elected, Barack Obama would become the first African-American president. Associated with Obama's campaigning is an iconic poster that attempts to represent the nature of Obama. Shepard Fairey was the artist who created this poster. known as "Hope". Fairey has utilized color scheme and modern, street-style art to appeal to citizens to vote for Obama for president.

As the poster uses the colors red, white, and blue, Obama is pictured to be comprised of those three colors. This famous color combination is a symbol of the United States. The symbolism of the color scheme would be that Obama reflects America; he understands the desires, needs, and hopes of the American people. As the president, Obama must represent the entire nation, and that is what he attempts to display through the color scheme of the poster. In addition, the red, white, and blue is utilized to show patriotism and pride in the country that he hopes to lead. Such a color scheme appeals to the people because this displays Obama in a positive, approachable, and trust-worthy light that he will fairly and justly represent the citizens.

The street style of art, which Fairey says he uses in the interview with the Huffington Post, shows Obama in a more familiar and modern way. As the times are changing, Obama is reflecting that he is a modern president who understands America today. The street style of art shows how Obama is president who is able to lead America in the modern 21st century. In addition, the street style of art seems to target a specific audience: young adults. To draw young voters to the polls, the street style of art is both appealing and eye-catching to the younger target audience. This appeal of a specific type of art and art technique has changed the view of politics and addresses a specific group of potential voters and supporters of Obama's campaign.

With the iconic "Hope" poster that has changed the ways of campaigning, Fairey uses color scheme and modern, street-style art to appeal to voters and show Obama in a positive light that may help him become president. The success of such campaigning can be reflected in the results of the 2008 presidential election; Obama won the seat of office against McCain. Not only has Obama successfully persuaded the American people, but his campaigning has taught many the new ways of advertising and campaigning that can be used in modern times.