One of the most iconic pieces of political art, the Obama Hope poster has decorated college dorm rooms and emblazoned t-shirts for the past decade. The cultural impact of this image rivals even Che Guevara’s poster. Originally designed by Shepard Fairey in just one day, the poster was widely distributed and used during Obama’s first Presidential campaign in 2008. He was then just a young Senator with powerful speeches, but his message inspired millions. The huge bold letters spelling out HOPE below Obama’s upward-turned face really do stir up a sense of optimism about the future. The color scheme and stencil design is still being replicated to this day (although the messages and content can differ dramatically). While Shepard Fairey himself has criticized Obama’s policies as president, the message and impact of this poster are here to stay.
