COVERT TO OVERT

Documenting Shepard Fairey and the OBEY GIANT crew is not something that is easily captured. This exhibition is my invitation to others to view a world they may otherwise never know or see. - Jon Furlong, 2015

Jon Furlong may seem low-key, but like a courageous war photographer, he is ferociously adept at capturing art action as well as the results of the action. Jon has been honing his skills on trips and missions with me and the OBEY crew for almost ten years, even picking up an X-acto knife or spray can when needed. There is no doubt that Jon has a naturally great eye for composition and light, but these OBEY photos are phenomenal because Jon's complete immersion in the process makes him uniquely qualified to capture significant moments and angles. My new book achieves a new level of quality and intimacy in the documentation of my art process thanks to the photography of Jon Furlong. - Shepard Fairey, 2015

SUBLIMINAL PROJECTS is pleased to present Covert to Overt, an exhibition documenting the endeavors of artist Shepard Fairey and his team, as seen through the eyes of photographer Jon Furlong. Furlong, based in California, has been working and traveling with Fairey for over a decade. For the first time ever, a selection of Furlong’s photos will be on view to the public, providing an intimate, behind-the-scenes window into the world of OBEY GIANT.

Covert to Overt focuses on 2009 to the present, showing a retrospective vision of Fairey and the everlasting impact of OBEY GIANT on modern culture. Furlong’s photographs artistically capture the process of Fairey’s gallery exhibitions, street art installations, and murals, while also providing a narrative about the culture, mood, and energy that fuels the process. Cities featured include: Paris, Amsterdam, London, Copenhagen, Malaga, Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Cincinnati, and Charleston.

Covert to Overt highlights material from Fairey's newest publication with Rizzoli and the exhibition at SUBLIMINAL PROJECTS will coincide with the US launch of this book. The show will also feature three limited edition prints by Fairey, each inspired by chosen photographs on view. These prints will be available for purchase in person only opening night with online sales rolling out the following week.

The opening reception of Covert to Overt is Saturday, October 10 from 1 to 5 pm. The exhibition will close on Saturday, October 24th with a book signing by Shepard Fairey. An RSVP is required for the reception to: [email protected].

Jonathan Furlong (b.1981) is a Southern California native, best classified as a self-taught lifestyle and street photographer. For more than a decade, Furlong has been visually documenting the artwork, exhibitions, installations, and behind-the-scenes operations of artist Shepard Fairey and the OBEY GIANT crew. He has served as the head photographer at OBEY Clothing since 2005. Furlong is self-described as hyper-critical with an anxiety-ridden mind, constantly seeking ways to capture authentic beauty and chaos through the lens of photography. He embraces imperfections, true-to-life scenery, and candidness. To him, photography is the art of preserving moments for eternity, allowing those who experience his work to look into the past and to understand how it sets the stage for the future.

SUBLIMINAL PROJECTS is a multifunctional gallery space promoting diverse forms of art while providing a forum for contemporary dialogue. It was established by Shepard Fairey and Blaize Blouin in 1995 and played an integral part in introducing skateboarding culture and design to the art world. Now located in the historic neighborhood of Echo Park, SUBLIMINAL PROJECTS continues to offer a platform for artistic exploration and innovation. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 12 to 6 pm.