He’s at it again, ladies and gentleman. And you can be damn sure he’s crediting the photographer this time. A new portrait of Barack Obama by Shepard Fairey graces the cover of the latest Rolling Stone magazine. Seems only fitting.

Fairey's Obama Portrait| Rolling Stone

No single image was more identifiable and inseparable from the historic Obama campaign than Fairey’s “HOPE” unsolicited campaign poster. The image was everywhere. You might even be able to expand that opening sentence to say no single image is as closely tied to any political campaign in recent memory. Sure, people remember Clinton playing the sax on Arseno Hall, but I’m talking about a single iconic image.

The new image for sure is similar to the original poster, that’s just Fairey’s style. But the evolution of that style from then until now parallels Obama’s path. This new Fairey image includes an approximated presidential seal surrounding Obama like a halo. There’s also layering on top of the image, giving it texture. Not flat and even tones like the original HOPE image. It doesn’t pop off the page the same way the other did, but at the same time it’s grittier. Even the angle on Obama is straight, rather than staring up at him- putting him on a pedestal. It’s easy to see how Obama’s first few months in office can be viewed the same way. Of course he started out ambitious and hopeful, but as time has passed and he’s done (or tried to do) real work, he’s also taken on a bit of “texture.” He’s doing his thing, but let’s face it, the honeymoon is coming to a close. He’s taken hits from both sides over the healthcare reform plan and his approval rating is under 50%. The ride is over and Obama’s won- so it’s time to get real and do the work.

The feature is titled “Barack Obama So Far” and is an examination of Obama’s first six months occupying the highest office in the land during some of the most tumultuous times in our lives. Going over topics such as Obama’s Biggest Blunder (so far), Biggest Victory (again, so far), and his Gutsiest Moment, the article proves to be nothing more and nothing less than what is sets out to be. A Rolling Stone article about the President. Honestly, the cover image itself is where the real story lies.

Rolling Stone: Barack Obama So Far
Obama So Far – OBEY Giant