Created during the Iraq War, Make Art Not War reimagines the famous 1960s anti‑war mantra “Make love, not war” through Shepard Fairey’s activist lens. Here, Fairey argues for creativity over destruction, using bold Art Nouveau influences that echo the psychedelic and anti‑Vietnam poster movements of the era.
 
The central female figure—framed by a floral garland—appears grounded and self‑assured rather than ethereal, reinforcing the message of empowered resistance.
 
Below her portrait, two paintbrushes cross like spears, a visual tension that sharpens the directive to OBEY and underscores the duality of art as both peaceful expression and pointed cultural critique.
 
Printed as an open edition and signed by Shepard Fairey, this offset lithograph on thick cream Speckletone paper remains one of Fairey’s most recognizable calls for creative defiance.
Signed by Shepard Fairey Offset lithograph Open edition (not numbered) Printed on thick cream Speckletone paper 36" × 24" Shipped in a tube