In alignment with the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly’s call for greater international cooperation, the world-renowned American artist Shepard Fairey has created a thought-provoking mural in London. Known for his impactful works addressing social and environmental justice, Fairey’s latest creation aims to inspire conversation about climate change and environmental stewardship. His mural, titled “Rise Above Earth Justice,” stands as a visual call to action, reminding viewers of the urgent need for collective and individual responsibility in protecting the planet.
Supported by the Ford Foundation and the U.S. Embassy in London, under the guidance of Ambassador Jane Hartley, Fairey’s mural is part of a broader initiative to amplify climate awareness. The Ford Foundation’s commitment to artist-driven projects that engage communities in meaningful ways is evident in this collaboration. Fairey’s mural exemplifies how art can transcend borders, uniting people across cultures to address global challenges like climate change.
Fairey’s 15-meter-high mural, located on Anlaby House in London, features a bold, stylized flower flanked by the scales of justice. The flower symbolizes nature’s fragility and resilience, while the scales represent the balance humanity must strike to achieve environmental justice. The design was inspired by a series of workshops held in 2024 with London youth, facilitated by organizations such as Global Generation and Refugee Community Kitchen (RCK). These sessions explored critical issues such as air pollution and the importance of access to nature, topics that are central to the mural’s message.
“This mural is titled ‘Rise Above Earth Justice,’ and it uses symbols to convey the message that it is within our power to rise above the injustice of environmental irresponsibility and push for a healthier planet,” said Fairey. “I believe that our individual and collective actions will dramatically impact current and future generations, be it for the better or for the worse. It is our responsibility as the citizens of Earth to protect it.”
This powerful piece is part of the 2024 London Mural Festival, produced by Migrate Art founders Simon Butler and Charlotte Pyatt. Migrate Art has raised over £2.1 million over the last decade through creative projects supporting displaced, indigenous, and homeless communities across the globe. From refugee camps in France and Iraq to the Xingu people in the Amazon and London’s homeless population, Migrate Art has championed the use of art to foster community and drive social change.
Butler, reflecting on his longstanding collaboration with Fairey, praised his deep connection to the local community. “Having met Shepard 15 years ago and worked with him many times, I can’t think of a better artist to engage with the local community and share a message of hope for the future of the world,” he said. “The support provided by the U.S. Embassy should be seen as a shining example for others to follow.”
Ambassador Jane Hartley emphasized the role of art as a tool for diplomacy and mutual understanding. “Artists like Shepard Fairey are, in a sense, the ambassadors of humanity,” Hartley noted. “Shepard’s work transcends borders, democratizes access to art, and intends to make the world a better, more just place. I hope the new mural will inspire all who view it and provoke deeper reflection on our shared role as stewards of the Earth.”
The mural serves as a visual reminder of the pressing need for climate justice and the potential of art to galvanize action.
