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Shepard Fairey Gets Roughed Up in Copenhagen
Fairey in support of L.A. young literati (Photo courtesy Studio One; read the story here)
L.A.-based street and commercial artist Shepard Fairey got his butt whooped recently while in Copenhagen, Denmark, reports the Guardian. The 41-year-old creator of the iconic and problematic Obama "HOPE" campaign poster found himself the recipient of punches and kicks outside a club early last Saturday morning.
Fairey was in the Danish city to mark the opening of his exhibition at a Copenhagen gallery. He was with a friend at the time, who was also struck in the attack. At least two men participated in the beating.
The Guardian explains what Fairey believes is the reason for the confrontation:
The LA-based artist believes the attack was sparked by a misunderstanding over his mural commemorating the demolition of the legendary "Ungdomshuset" (youth house) at Jagtvej 69. The building, a long-term base for Copenhagen's leftwing community, was controversially demolished in 2007. In the intervening years it has become a potent symbol of the standoff between the establishment in Copenhagen and its radical fringe.
Fairey says he was left with a black eye and bruised rib. During the attack he was told to "go back to America" and was accused of being part of the "Obama illuminati."
No police report was filed following the attack, notes L.A. Now.
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