According to Pedro Alonzo, co-curator of “Facing the Giant: Three Decades of Dissent,” this piece inspired by the 1960s anti-war slogan “Make love, not war.” Fairey emphasizes creativity over destruction, using Art Nouveau style to echo the 1960s hippie and psychedelic art,
particularly anti-Vietnam war posters. The image features a self-assured female figure surrounded by a floral garland, with two paintbrushes below her portrait symbolizing both artistic tools and spears. The inclusion of the word “OBEY” on her neck adds a sharp edge to the message.
