This April, the Las Vegas skyline is getting a bold, artistic reminder of our shared responsibility to the planet. Acclaimed artist Shepard Fairey has unveiled a striking new piece titled Earth Power Globe, featured on the Exosphere of Sphere Las Vegas — the world’s largest LED screen. The 90-second animated work is being presented as part of Sphere’s XO/Art program, an ongoing series dedicated to pushing the boundaries of large-scale digital art.
Known worldwide for his politically charged and socially conscious imagery — including the iconic Hope poster of Barack Obama — Fairey brings his distinctive graphic language to a new medium: a 580,000-square-foot curved screen made up of more than 1.2 million LED lights. The result is both visually stunning and thematically urgent.
Earth Power Globe will play throughout April in recognition of Earth Month, anchoring Sphere’s commitment to spotlighting global issues through immersive technology and creative collaboration.
A New Dimension for Activism-Inspired Art
Earth Power Globe translates Fairey’s legacy of public-facing, message-driven art into a fully immersive, digital experience. His design combines planetary symbolism, environmental motifs, and a call for global unity — animated to wrap around the Exosphere in a continuous, looping statement.
The massive digital canvas offers a unique opportunity for artists to reimagine how visual storytelling can unfold at city scale. Seen from across Las Vegas, Earth Power Globe becomes a dynamic public installation — one that is both captivating and reflective of the environmental conversations taking place globally.
The collaboration reflects a growing trend of major venues like Sphere using their platforms not just for entertainment, but also as stages for cultural commentary and education.
Sphere’s XO/Art Program: Where Innovation Meets Public Art
Fairey’s latest project is part of Sphere’s XO/Art program — an initiative designed to bring world-renowned artists into dialogue with the Exosphere’s cutting-edge LED display. The program allows creators to experiment with massive-scale storytelling while reaching millions of viewers daily.
The Exosphere itself is a groundbreaking feat of engineering. At over 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide, it’s the largest spherical structure in the world — and the largest programmable LED surface ever built. Its curved surface poses unique creative challenges and opportunities, encouraging artists to approach animation, color, and narrative from a spatial perspective rarely encountered in traditional artforms.
Fairey’s inclusion in the program marks a significant milestone: the convergence of street art, activism, and immersive technology on one of the world’s most visible platforms.
Nurturing Young Talent: XO Student Design Challenge
In addition to showcasing Fairey’s new work, Sphere is also shining a light on young creatives across Las Vegas through its Second Annual XO Student Design Challenge. This citywide initiative invited over 100,000 K–12 students to submit original artwork inspired by the theme of Earth Day.
Encouraging creativity, environmental awareness, and community involvement, the challenge gives students a rare opportunity to see their designs featured on one of the most ambitious digital canvases ever constructed. The top eight submissions — selected by a panel of judges that included Shepard Fairey — will be announced on Tuesday, April 22, in celebration of Earth Day.
The challenge exemplifies Sphere’s mission to democratize artistic access, giving the next generation a voice on a monumental platform while promoting global citizenship through creativity.
The Power of Public Art in the Digital Age
Earth Power Globe is more than a display of technical capability — it’s a timely reminder of the potential for art to spark change, particularly when amplified on this scale. As the effects of climate change become increasingly urgent, projects like this serve to engage the public in new ways.
Rather than existing solely in galleries or museums, Fairey’s piece meets viewers where they are: on the streets, in the skyline, and across social media. By taking over one of the most recognizable digital structures in the world, Earth Power Globe brings the conversation about environmental stewardship into the everyday visual landscape.
This approach aligns with Fairey’s broader practice, which has always centered around accessibility and civic dialogue. Whether through wheatpaste posters or immersive LED animation, his work continues to explore how design can influence public perception and drive awareness.
Credits:
• Video / Photo Credit: Sphere Entertainment
• Art Credit: Artist Shepard Fairey / ObeyGiant.com
• Creative Direction & Animation: The Mayda Creative Co.
As Earth Month unfolds, the Exosphere becomes more than a feat of engineering — it becomes a beacon for creative consciousness. Through partnerships with artists like Shepard Fairey and initiatives like the XO Student Design Challenge, Sphere is reimagining what civic art can be in the 21st century.
Whether you see Earth Power Globe in person or online, the message is unmistakable: our planet matters, and the power of design can help illuminate the path forward.
About Shepard Fairey
Shepard Fairey is a contemporary artist, activist, and founder of Obey Giant Art. His work spans screen prints, large-scale murals, and public interventions, often addressing themes of environmentalism, social justice, and political change. Fairey’s practice has evolved from the streets into the mainstream, but his commitment to public discourse through art remains central.
About Sphere Las Vegas
Sphere is a state-of-the-art entertainment venue located near the Las Vegas Strip. Officially opened in 2023, it is operated by Sphere Entertainment Co. and designed to host concerts, immersive film experiences, and large-scale digital art displays. Its exterior Exosphere has rapidly become a landmark not just in Las Vegas, but in global discussions around the future of public art and entertainment.
marcroy@peopleofprint.com
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