The power and poetry born through merging art, people, and place are integral to Studio Como’s identity, and will be brought to new heights this summer in a partnership with Aspen’s 212GALLERY and world-famous street artist Shepard Fairey.
Best known for his iconic Barack Obama “HOPE” poster that spurred a new aesthetic for current-day social and political movements, Shepard Fairey is creating a new large-scale outdoor mural in downtown Aspen at Local’s Corner. Slated to be unveiled to the public and press on July 25, the mural will be painted live the week of July 20, concurrent with the opening of Fairey’s “One Earth” exhibition at Studio Como Aspen and a series of related cultural happenings presented by 212GALLERY that take place through August 3.
Fairey’s first show and public mural in Aspen was in 2018, and took inspiration from the synergy between the region’s natural beauty and cultural vitality. “Aspen’s beauty is a source of inspiration and a powerful reminder that we need to care for nature so that future generations can enjoy it too,” Fairey says, sharing that the people he met and spent time with in Aspen then stood out for their dedication to creativity and environmental harmony. “The culture of Aspen was on full display when we had a parade-like procession to the unveiling of my mural…it was an eclectic coalition in the best way!”
Shepard Fairey painting “Ideal Power” in Aspen, Colorado, 2018
For the new mural, Fairey is moving beyond symbols of synergy to represent an even fuller depiction of transformation, incorporating the themes of interconnectedness, possibility, and joy. “At a time when there are many challenges to unity, I often strive to find universally appealing and relatable imagery to draw people into challenging conversations,” he says.
“Shepard’s return to Aspen isn’t just an art moment—it’s a cultural milestone,” say 212GALLERY founder Katie Kiernan and gallery director Kate Redwing. “This project celebrates Aspen’s creative spirit and adds to the town’s visual legacy in a lasting and meaningful way.”
The “One Earth” exhibition, curated by 212GALLERY and opening with a reception at Studio Como Aspen on July 25, includes over 100 pieces of artwork made in a variety of media, ranging from paintings and mixed-media works on paper to prints on metal and wood, and newer works featuring Fairey’s self-developed technique, mono-engraving. By showing such a robust body of work, the gallery invites viewers to follow Fairey’s gestures across time and space, traveling from the 2D plane of canvas and paper to the innumerable dimensions present in the public sphere.
One Earth, 2025 / Mixed Media (Stencil, Silkscreen, and Collage) on Canvas
“We only have one Earth, and it’s vital that we take care of it,” Fairey writes in his artist statement for the exhibition. “Much of my art addresses the importance of combating environmental destruction. My concept of One Earth extends beyond just the delicate interconnected nature of environmental eco-systems, and also includes social systems that foster harmony and justice. In my vision of One Earth, injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere.”
To accommodate the exhibition, Studio Como Aspen will temporarily remove the majority of the space’s furniture and lighting so clients and collectors can have a singular experience of Fairey’s work, with private events and viewings hosted through the show’s run. Following, Studio Como will refresh the space with brand new offerings and displays from a selection of leading Italian brands, and will continue to exhibit works by Shepard Fairey, curated by 212GALLERY, now experienced in context with furniture, lighting, and accessories.
“In this partnership with 212GALLERY and Shepard Fairey, we’re bringing discerning clientele something truly exceptional: interiors where European luxury design and fine art unite seamlessly,” says Studio Como founder and president Brad Fentress. “In a town that appreciates both mountain beauty and sophisticated living, we’re creating spaces that reflect Aspen’s unique blend of natural grandeur and cosmopolitan refinement, where every room becomes a living work of art.”
SHEPARD FAIREY EVENTS IN ASPEN
July 20 | 212GALLERY Presents “One Earth” at Studio Como
On view July 20-27 at Studio Como Aspen, 520 E Hyman Ave #2B
July 21 | Artist Lecture at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, 5 PM
Intimate conversation about art, nature, and transformation. Sold out. Livestream available.
July 22-25 | Live Mural Painting
Watch Shepard Fairey’s mural come to life in downtown Aspen and tag @212GALLERY
July 25 | Mural Unveiling, 5 PM
Celebrate Aspen’s newest cultural landmark at Local’s Corner, Aspen
July 25 | Studio Como Artist Reception w/ Shepard Fairey, 6 PM
Limited capacity; RSVP here.
July 26 | 212GALLERY Presents “One Earth” at The Snow Lodge, 6-8 PM
Artist reception. Open to the public.
July 26 | VIP Afterparty at The Snow Lodge ft. Shepard Fairey, 9 PM
DJ set featuring Shepard Fairey and The ChickSmokers. Limited capacity; RSVP here.
July 29-Aug 3 | Intersect Aspen Art + Design Fair
212GALLERY presents select works by Shepard Fairey and Norm Clasen at Aspen Ice Garden
Photos courtesy of 212GALLERY & Shepard Fairey
