Yes, this is definitely old news as the exhibit opened at the ICA back in February and was surrounded by some drama in the news, and a possible publicity stunt/arrest here in Boston. However, I waited until this week to actually go out and see the installation in person. A trip to the ICA is always exciting, but Fairey’s work displays wonderfully there. The museum provides an extremely modern backdrop for the street art – clean lines juxtaposed with Fairey’s grungy, filtered graphic style.

No, I wouldn’t call it fine art by any means – it doesn’t have much depth, it’s not very personal, and it’s pretty much the opposite of “surprising”, or “though provoking”. But it’s graffiti! Fairey’s illustrations are beautiful, and I enjoy them most in their true element – pasted to the sides of old buildings.

Fairey’s posters are all over the city (and many, many others), and the ICA offered bicycle tours of his work throughout Boston and Cambridge (sold out). What could be better than a summer bicycle ride to see really good graffiti? Nothing. If you were not lucky enough to catch a spot on the bicycle tour, you can arrange one yourself by following the map below, which points out all of Fairey’s posters around the city:

View Shepard Fairey’s Outdoor Works in Boston in a larger map

It’s a beautiful day – go ride a bike. Or, go to the museum and check out the installation in person – it runs through August 16th. Every Thursday evening from 5-9pm, the ICA opens its doors for free, so you won’t even have to pay to see graffiti.