Covert To Overt London
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
House of Vans London 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 through the Covert to Overt show, 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: London, Paris, Amsterdam, 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 House of Vans has been timed to reflect the UK launch of this book. The show will also feature three limited screen edition prints by Fairey, each inspired by chosen photographs on view. These screen prints will be available for purchase in person only on the opening night.
Join us for the preview launch party of Covert to Overt London on Wednesday, December 2nd from 7.00pm to 12am. with a DJ battle, exclusive video content and drinks. On the night, a stash of T-shirts will be screen printed live and given away during the launch party to celebrate the opening of the show. Don’t wait and make sure you book your slot in to bring one home!
About the artist:
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.
COVERT TO OVERT: Photography of Obey Giant by John Furlong
Opening Party: 2nd December | 7:00 pm
Free entry / Booking Required for Opening Party
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