Arab Woman Poster

This poster features an evocative design by Shepard Fairey, taken from the exhibition Photo Synthesis, which displayed at Fotografiska in the summer of 2024.

Shepard Fairey created this image of an Arab woman three years after the start of the second Gulf War. The work responds to the extreme anti-Islamic rhetoric of the time. With this piece, Fairey confronts the notion of collective guilt directed at all Arabs. He portrays her as a characteristically strong woman, looking directly at the viewer—confident but not threatening. Her face is appealing and relatable, evokig a humanizing effect on a group often depicted as threatening.

The artist's intention is to stimulate compassion and empathy, challenging preconceived notions about Muslims, who are otherwise seen as the enemy. The floral motif of Turkish origin is meant to subconsciously evoke a unified appreciation of beauty and serve as a bridge between the West and the Middle East, a familiar form that brings us all together.

Size: 19.69"W 27.56"H (50x70 cm)