The wall all Street Art Connaisseurs must see is in Graça.

OBEY is behind Lisbon's most iconic wall

Half ‘n’ half. Shepard Fairey (left) vs VHILS (right)

In 2017, Shepard Fairey, the legendary creator of OBEY, showcased his work at Underdogs Gallery in Marvila. While the exhibition itself may have faded from public memory, the murals he created during his visit to Lisbon have gradually attained iconic status, particularly the two located in Graça.

The collaborative piece with VHILS, tucked away at Rua da Senhora da Glória 39, has become a hidden gem among street art enthusiasts. This mural, featuring a woman’s face split between Fairey’s and Vhils’ distinctive styles, has earned the moniker ‘the secret Obey wall’ within the street art community.

In contrast, Fairey’s solo mural on Rua Natália Correia stands as a prominent tribute to Portugal’s Carnation Revolution. This piece, depicting a woman in a revolutionary beret holding a machine gun with a flower in its barrel, has become a near-landmark in the area.

The mural’s impact is significant, as it’s the first sight that greets visitors entering Graça from Alfama. Its presence is felt throughout the neighbourhood, accompanying observers all the way to Sapadores. This artwork stands as perhaps the most impressive and powerful peace manifestation in Portugal, serving as a constant reminder of the country’s revolutionary history and the enduring power of non-violent protest.

The first aim of phenomenology is to reawaken a sense of wonder about one’s environment. The obey sticker attempts to stimulate curiosity and bring people to question both the sticker and their relationship with their surroundings.

Manifesto

HOPE

Street art enthusiasts recognise Shepard Fairey for his “OBEY” campaign (which many mistakenly believe to be his name), created to provoke people and encourage them to question their surroundings.

However, Fairey is also responsible for a vast array of artistic interventions in public spaces, including collages, stencilling, mural painting, and sculpture.

Whilst his iconic Obama “HOPE” poster from 2008 remains his most famous work amongst the general public, those who have seen his Carnation Wall in our neighbourhood would argue it’s equally unforgettable.

Once you’ve laid eyes on it, you won’t forget it.