Shepard Fairy does some hanging out and a massive mural at Awesome Dudes Printing in Philly

words and photos by Zach Pelliccio

A fortunate situation happened the week of April the 18th. I was talking with my close friend, Ralph Stollenwork (former wallfarmers featured artist), when he informed me that someone was coming to construct a mural on the side of his printing shop. As I pressed him for more information he proceeded in telling me that Awesome Dudes Printing on 6th and Reed was soon to pay host to the incomparable Shepard Fairy.  I instantly cleared my schedule and made sure I was there at the shop on April 23rd.

Shepard and crew had trouble making in to the shop on time but I was still ecstatic to talk to him.

When we finally spoke, he praised Philadelphia. "Philly has always been a really gritty city with a lot of outspoken residents, so it's sort of the perfect place for my art because I love being able to put my work on the street and contribute to the urban aesthetic and the cultural dialogue. I also have a bunch of friends in Philly, like all the founders of Space 1026, so I wanted to catch up with them."

It was a great night of boozing, art and leaning on Shaky's old Ford, watching this monstrous mural being raised.

The dimensions were something close to 23' x 7' (about 7x3 meters for us Canadians) Go check out Shepard's website for more info and if you can make it to New York City, check out the show at Deitch Projects in SoHo (NYC). The show runs through may 29th. He also told me that he is working on a catalog of the shows that will be out in a few months and if you can make it to Cincinnati before August 22, he has an exhibit at the CAC.

He's also all over youtube (video footage of the mural process) and other internet venues for your consideration.

I know you are doing nothing but tweeting or working on your precious 'farm' ( it's not real!) or some other stupid facebook thing, so take 5 minutes and check out www.obeygiant.com, www.awesomedudesprinting.com, www.lukasjp.com and www.billmcright.com. You might find something that you like that isn't just a figment of your computer or a made up internet persona. They also still make books and have galleries too!

Thanks to Z Bomit, Dan Flores, Nicholas Bowers, Shepard Fairy and Tina Soikkeli. Also, Ralph Stollenwerk and Sean Doherty at Awesome Dudes Printing, Bill McRight,  Nick Zegel and lastly, Lukas JP (amazing musician!)

The wall was plaster so it had be covered in plywood earlier in the day.

Team Brutaltron

Bill McRight, the dude who helped set all this up, awesome artist. Don't worry, he'll be on wallfarmers soon!

Shepard Fairy

Thanks to Shaky and Ralph of Awesome Dudes Printing!

Nicholas Bowers

Dan Flores

I'm gonna kick your ass...

Awesome Dudes!

Nicholas Bowers

We never get to see the man behind the camera.

Go to 6th and Reed in South Philly and check this out... Get some shirts printed too!