I've been making pieces dealing with environmental issues at least since 2004; I mean, I did stuff for the Sierra Club and the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge even back in the 1990s. But somewhere a little after 2004, Hummer hits me up. I'm like, 'Are you kidding me?'

In this quote, Shepard Fairey reflects on his long-standing involvement in creating art that addresses environmental issues, starting in 2004 but going as far back as the 1990s. Fairey, known for his iconic Obey Giant campaign and political art, highlights how his work has often been centered around activism and advocating for the protection of nature. He mentions his contributions to organizations like the Sierra Club and his support for the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge, underlining his commitment to environmental causes.

Fairey’s surprise at being contacted by Hummer—the company known for manufacturing large, fuel-inefficient vehicles—demonstrates a sense of irony and contradiction. As an artist dedicated to environmentalism, the idea of aligning with a brand that promotes consumerism and environmental harm was likely shocking. His reaction, “Are you kidding me?,” suggests disbelief at the notion of collaborating with a company that he perceived as contradictory to the values he had long championed in his artwork.

The mention of Hummer “hitting him up” suggests that, at some point, the car company attempted to partner with or sponsor Fairey’s work, possibly in a bid to improve their brand image. This juxtaposition of his environmental activism with a brand that symbolizes excess and unsustainable consumption underscores the tension between the art world and corporate interests. Fairey’s reaction reflects his awareness of how industries often attempt to appropriate progressive causes for their own gain.

Ultimately, this quote reveals a moment of ethical reflection for Fairey, questioning whether he could reconcile his artistic integrity with the conflicting commercial interests of a brand like Hummer. It speaks to broader debates in the art world and activism about authenticity and the potential compromise of values when collaborating with corporations.