Shepard Fairey Transforms 1937 Packard into "Art Car" for "Filthy Lucre Ain't Nothing New" Exhibition

Renowned artist Shepard Fairey is set to unveil a striking new art installation, "Untitled (Art Car)," which transforms a meticulously restored 1937 Packard Touring Sedan into a powerful commentary on wealth, power, and consumerism. This significant piece will be the centerpiece of Fairey's upcoming exhibition, "Filthy Lucre Ain't Nothing New," scheduled to open on September 24 at CART Department, located at 16 Morton Street in New York City. The exhibition will also feature a collection of new prints, original artworks, and a series of artist-led programming events.

The 1937 Packard Touring Sedan, a classic automobile from the pre-World War II era, has been rendered in a lustrous metallic gold, symbolizing opulence and luxury. Fairey has strategically divided the car's exterior design to represent two contrasting yet interconnected cultural forces. One side of the Packard is adorned with visual and lyrical references drawn from the vibrant world of hip-hop, celebrating its association with wealth and aspirational lifestyles. This side pays homage to iconic figures such as Slick Rick, Chuck D (lead rapper of Public Enemy, known for their politically charged lyrics), and The Notorious B.I.G. (one of the most influential rappers of all time).

In direct juxtaposition, the other side of the car delves into the raw, anti-establishment ethos of punk rock, offering a critique of consumerism and the corrupting influence of power. This segment draws inspiration from influential punk figures like Joe Strummer (frontman of The Clash), Jello Biafra (vocalist for the Dead Kennedys, known for his provocative political commentary), and Jamie Reid (artist famous for his work with the Sex Pistols). The inclusion of these artists reflects Fairey's long-standing artistic practice, which consistently engages with the visual and ideological landscapes of both hip-hop and punk music.

Beyond the art car itself, "Filthy Lucre Ain't Nothing New" will showcase new original artworks created by Fairey that are directly inspired by the transformed Packard. Additionally, Fairey has curated a special playlist featuring music by the artists represented on the car, offering visitors an auditory dimension to the exhibition's themes. Larry Warsh, the founder of CART Department, highlighted the evolving role of vehicles in contemporary culture, stating in a press release, "Vehicles have become more than just modes of transportation, symbols of wealth or engineering marvels. They’ve become cars as canvas." This sentiment underscores Fairey's innovative approach to using a vehicle as a monumental artistic medium.

The exhibition's opening day, September 24, will commence with a conversation between Shepard Fairey and esteemed art critic Carlo McCormick. The programming continues on September 25 with a panel discussion titled "When Rock Met Hip-Hop," moderated by Steven Blush, featuring notable figures like Janette Beckman (photographer known for her iconic images of punk and hip-hop), Eric Haze (graffiti artist and designer), Pete Nice (rapper from Third Bass), and Drew Stone (filmmaker and graffiti historian). The Hip-Hop Museum will present the final program on September 26, with contributions from Rocky Bucano (CEO of The Hip-Hop Museum), Grandwizzard Theodore (DJ credited with inventing the scratch technique), and Eric Orr (artist and graffiti pioneer). The exhibition's title, "Filthy Lucre," itself suggests a critical examination of wealth accumulation and its societal implications, with the "Untitled (Art Car)" serving as a potent and visually arresting metaphor for these complex issues.