KUALA LUMPUR (May 23): Shepard Fairey has always used art as a medium for activism, promoting awareness on a host of social and environmental issues through his work. From his 32-year-old Obey Giant campaign and clothing line, which encourage audiences to question their relationship with their surroundings, to political pieces such as the Obama Hope poster for Barack Obama’s election campaign, Fairey has been a vocal critic and advocate of various causes.

In his second collaboration with Swiss watchmaker Hublot, he turns the dial and bezel of a watch into a stage for a mandala, a symbol he values for its evocation of harmony and wholeness. It is a fitting emblem, especially as a portion of sales of the 50-piece limited-edition Classic Fusion Chronograph Shepard Fairey will be channelled towards Amnesty International.

Apart from his partnership with Hublot, the artist talks about inspiration, working within and beyond political systems, and his take on the role of art in fostering unity, empowerment and peace in this one-on-one interview with Options.

Also included in this issue is a dive into the digital frenzy of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and its impact on the art world, as well as the resin art by young homeware brand With Saint that ensures the individualism of each piece, including trays, coasters and vases. Although it will be a long time before international travel resumes, Qatar Airways’ vice-president of sales in Southeast Asia and South Asia, Jared Lee, paints an optimistic picture about the future of travel. 

Read more about it in The Edge Malaysia weekly’s May 24 edition.

Save by subscribing to us for your print and/or digital copy.

P/S: The Edge is also available on Apple's App Store and Android's Google Play.