[Vid] New Shepard Fairey Mural in Downtown DC Honors Parkland Victim
Street artist and activist Shepard Fairey — you’ll remember him from the iconic Obama HOPE poster — has partnered with Change the Ref, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, and the Downtown DC BID to create a mural in Washington, D.C., honoring Parkland victim Joaquin “Guac” Oliver.
Originally designed in 2022 and first seen at March for Our Lives rallies across the U.S., Fairey took three days to paint this powerful artwork alongside his team, and Joaquin’s father, Manuel (Manny) Oliver.
An unveiling ceremony marked the 7th anniversary of the historic March for Our Lives rally, when over 1.2 million people marched in Washington, DC, against gun violence in America.
“Nothing has hit me in the heart and the gut the way that working with Manny and Patricia has,” Fairey said at the unveiling.
“I’ve seen how art can shift the conversation and bring us together in politically and culturally meaningful ways,” he said. “After meeting Joaquin’s parents, Manuel, a visual artist, and his wife Patricia, I wanted to create an image that helped continue the conversation around gun safety and violence that’s led by the young people too often impacted by it. I hope the portrait’s permanent home here in DC, less than a mile from The White House, as a new administration takes office, will not only celebrate Joaquin and all the victims of gun crime, but also be a timely reminder to all that the fight for sensible gun reform is sadly ongoing.”
Joaquin Oliver’s father’s one-man show “Guac” closed on February 16 following a successful run at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company; a free lobby installation featuring activist works of art and sculpture had accompanied that show in the lobby.
“No parent should have to go through what the Olivers have experienced, and yet the number of school shootings was at an all-time high last year. Getting to know the Olivers through the production of GUAC and their work with Change the Ref, has been such an honor. It’s thrilling to know that Downtown D.C. visitors will meet and get to know Joaquin the activist, artist, and son, even after GUAC has left our stage,” said Maria Manuela Goyanes and Kimberly Douglas, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company Artistic and Managing Directors.
“Joaquin’s portrait on this wall is more than just art—a powerful statement. It honors his memory and raises awareness of the ongoing tragedy of gun violence. Through this mural, we’re giving voice to those silenced and showing the world that we will not stop until we see real change,” said Patricia Oliver, Joaquin’s Mom.
The mural is funded by the DowntownDC BID, who worked with business owners to coordinate, locate, and secure a location site in downtown D.C.