Shepard Fairey makes his long-awaited debut in the Middle East with a new exhibition and mural in Dubai

Given Shepard Fairey's reputation for creating politically-charged artwork, the conservative environment of the United Arab Emirates may seem an unexpected venue for his latest gallery show.

However, it is precisely in Dubai – the UAE's most dazzling city – that the acclaimed US artist, famous for the iconic Obama 'Hope' poster, is embarking on his first exhibition in the Middle East.

Fairey’s debut exhibition in the region, 'Future Mosaic,' opens on March 15 at the Opera Gallery in Dubai. The show presents 150 artworks, combining fresh pieces with some of the artist's signature images and recurring motifs from his broader portfolio.

To commemorate the event, the artist has also created a striking mural in D3, Dubai’s innovative design district.

The mural, which Dinogo had the exclusive first look at, spans two large walls facing each other. One side features camellia flowers and a dove, while the opposite wall showcases an intricate design of fingers making a peace sign and a fist holding a paintbrush with a flower emerging from it.

Though he admits to having limited knowledge about the city or the region, Fairey eagerly seized the opportunity to visit Dubai.

‘As soon as I heard there was a gallery here, I knew that’s where I wanted to be,’ he shared in an interview at the gallery. ‘I may not be an expert on Arab culture or Islam, but I’m open-minded, and I’m here to learn.’

Wearing a face mask, Fairey walks past visitors attending the exhibition preview, overhearing them praise his work, unaware that the artist himself is standing right behind them.

‘In the US, there are many misconceptions about Middle Eastern culture. And it’s not a single, unified experience – Dubai, for example, is far more Westernized than other places. But I always aim to learn, grow, and comment on things from a place of understanding as much as I can,’ he shared.

At first glance, their collaboration might seem unexpected. Fairey, a skater-turned-street artist, made his mark with the 'Andre the Giant Has a Posse' sticker campaign in 1989. He rose to global prominence in 2008 with his 'Hope' poster of Barack Obama, which became a symbol of the candidate's successful campaign. Known for his activism and outspoken criticism of Donald Trump, Fairey’s work often tackles issues like human rights, climate change, and female empowerment.

‘I essentially included everything in this show that I would include in any exhibition,’ he said when asked if his works had been censored. ‘I asked about my critiques of the oil industry, and they said that’s not a major revenue driver for the UAE anyway. And I don’t create anything overtly sexual.’

The initial concept for a mural in another area of the city was eventually discarded due to its complexity. The design, titled 'Lotus Angel,' depicted a woman holding a flower.

‘It’s a female figure, and getting approval for that in a public space here is no easy feat,’ he explained.

A new location – the D3 district – and a fresh design (shown above) were selected. The site is surrounded by popular restaurants and office spaces.

For Fairey, the themes of tolerance and cultural acceptance hold great significance.

‘The fist represents strength and empowerment, the paintbrush symbolizes art, and the flower signifies something positive growing and flourishing. It’s a universal message – no matter your language, whether it’s English, Arabic, German, or Chinese, that imagery is clear,’ he added.

‘Peace and harmony are concepts anyone can grasp, and it’s hard to argue with these ideals. They don’t reference religion, gender, or nationality, so these are ideas I can share anywhere,’ he concluded.

So, when his Dubai exhibition was announced and he recalls facing backlash on social media, Fairey remained unfazed.

‘The US has its own flaws when it comes to human rights. I won’t be intimidated by hypocrisy. I’m going to bring my philosophy wherever I go. This place won’t change me, I’ll share my ideas and hope they’re embraced – and even if they aren’t, I’ll still be true to myself,’ he said.

Nevertheless, Fairey acknowledges that self-censorship often plays a role when he decides on the message he intends to communicate through his art.

‘I try to ensure that I’m not unintentionally alienating people before they’ve had the chance to reflect on the message I’m conveying with my work,’ he explained.

Regarding US politics, he feels 'more hopeful' for a functioning democracy with a new president in charge, though he warns that the lingering effects of the Trump era still need to be addressed.

'What concerns me most right now is how many immoral and manipulative individuals have embraced lies and disinformation as a tool to achieve their goals without facing any political consequences,' he stated.

'There are still underlying issues – Trump may be gone, but the damage he caused is still festering beneath the surface,' he remarked.

However, Fairey adds, 'So far, so good with Biden.'

'I’m quite impressed with the direction Biden is attempting to take, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll accomplish everything he’s aiming for,' he said.

The artist now sees himself as a 'global citizen' and 'artist of the people.' He’s eager to spend more time overseas, learning from other cultures and weaving those experiences into his art.

It feels fitting that a large artwork featuring a woman in a hijab is placed near the entrance of his exhibition. The rest of the works, however, explore 'universal' themes, with pop culture icons and peace symbols as central motifs.

But this isn’t a piece designed to show that he 'gets' Islam, he explains. Instead, it’s an older work that 'feels right' for his debut exhibition in the Middle East.

'In the US, there’s so much Islamophobia that people react strongly even when you’re just trying to portray a Muslim,' he shared.

'Cultural biases often prevent people from seeing each other with equal respect. Wherever I can, I aim to break down those walls. It’s like offering a handshake from afar – I’m open-minded, and I’m here to learn.'