What Subliminal Projects does

Subliminal Projects is a multi-functional art gallery and project space founded in 1995 by Shepard Fairey and Blaize Blouin, operating under the legal entity Obey Giant Art, Inc. from a single location at 1331 Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles' Echo Park neighborhood. The gallery represents more than 80 artists spanning street art, skate culture, punk, and activist traditions, and has mounted approximately 30 exhibitions from 2019 through 2025. Core products and services include rotating in-gallery exhibitions, sale of fine art (original paintings, sculptures, and limited edition prints) via the gallery and the Artsy online marketplace, direct-to-consumer merchandise sales through a Shopify-powered store at store.subliminalprojects.com, and curatorial consulting for collaborative projects and murals with brands and venues. A significant share of exhibitions are structured as fundraising initiatives with 10-50% of sales proceeds donated to nonprofit partners including RAICES, ACLU, Color of Change, National Parks Conservation Association, Amnesty International, and Inner-City Arts. The gallery is currently temporarily closed to public walk-in visits but continues to operate exhibitions by appointment and through online channels. Distribution extends globally via Artsy and recurring art fair participation (notably Art Miami 2021), with strategic international curatorial partnerships including a twelve-year collaboration with UK-based Coates & Scarry on the Visual Language series and a 2024 partnership with Emergeast for MENA artist programming. The business has no external investors and no disclosed funding history, operating as a privately held, founder-aligned enterprise with trademarks (Subliminal Projects, OBEY, OBEY GIANT, Obey Clothing, Studio Number One, Disobey) registered to the operating entity.

Name

Subliminal Projects

Legal name

Obey Giant Art, Inc.

Website

https://subliminalprojects.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Subliminal Projects is a Los Angeles art gallery and project space founded in 1995 by Shepard Fairey and Blaize Blouin, representing 80+ artists across street art, skate, and activist traditions through exhibitions, fine art sales via Artsy, and a Shopify merchandise store.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Art Gallery

NAICS

Art Dealers (459920), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

akta.pro primary industry

Art Galleries & Exhibition Spaces (Commercial & Nonprofit) (THAJADAH)

Keywords

• Contemporary art gallery
• Fine art sales
• Limited edition prints
• Street art exhibitions
• Art curation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Art Sales: Sale of fine art through the gallery, including paintings, sculptures, and limited edition prints by represented and exhibiting artists. Works are sold both in-gallery and through the Artsy online marketplace.
2. Limited Edition Prints and Merchandise: Sale of limited edition prints (e.g., letterpress prints, screen prints) and merchandise through the online store (store.subliminalprojects.com). Products include artist prints, books, and branded merchandise.
3. Project Collaborations: Curating, consulting, and producing collaborative projects and murals with like-minded brands, retail spaces, event venues, and commercial spaces. Revenue generated through project fees and partnerships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Subliminal Projects is a multi-functional art gallery and project space established in 1995 by Shepard Fairey and Blaize Blouin in Echo Park, Los Angeles. The gallery exhibits and sells contemporary fine art with a focus on street art, skateboard culture, and activism, and operates a Shopify-powered online store for limited edition prints, books, and merchandise, plus curatorial collaboration services for brands and venues.

Product overview

Subliminal Projects is an art gallery operated by Obey Giant Art, Inc., offering a unified platform for artists rooted in skateboard culture, street art, and activism. The core offering centers on the physical and online gallery featuring rotating exhibitions (Gallery), complemented by direct sales of fine art including limited edition prints and original works (Fine Art Sales), an e-commerce store for merchandise and artist editions (Store), and collaborative project services for brands and venues (Collaborative Projects). The portfolio functions as an integrated ecosystem serving artists, collectors, and community engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Subliminal Projects Gallery Multi-functional art gallery and project space featuring rotating exhibitions of emerging and established artists, with a focus on skateboard culture, street art, and activism. Hosts approximately 30 exhibitions from 2019-2025 and represents 80+ artists.
• Fine Art Sales Sale of fine art through the gallery including paintings, sculptures, and limited edition prints by represented and exhibiting artists, distributed via the gallery and through the Artsy online marketplace.
• Online Store Direct-to-consumer online store selling limited edition prints, books, and merchandise, including artist prints and branded products from gallery artists.
• Collaborative Projects and Curation Services Professional curatorial and consulting services producing collaborative art projects, murals, and installations for brands, retail spaces, event venues, and commercial spaces.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 80 artists represented and exhibited since gallery establishment
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, key and minor.

• Obey Giant Art, Inc.coreOthersParent company of Subliminal Projects. Operates obeygiant.com and related properties. Founded by Shepard Fairey, the company manages the OBEY GIANT art campaign, Shepard Fairey's artistic works, and related licensing. All trademarks including Subliminal Projects are owned by Obey Giant Art, Inc.
• Studio Number One (SNO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFull-service creative agency founded by Shepard and Amanda Fairey, based in Echo Park. SNO helps brands create visual experiences and stories through strong messaging, icon design, and disruption methods. Collaborates with Subliminal Projects on design projects such as the Power to the Parks exhibition and product capsule.
• Obey ClothingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLifestyle clothing brand under Obey Giant Art, Inc. Partnership with Subliminal Projects for collaborative exhibitions and product releases. Example: Sofia Enriquez MUCHO exhibition included pop-up shop with Obey Clothing line.
• ArtsycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading online fine art marketplace. Subliminal Projects maintains exhibition pages and available artworks on Artsy, enabling global collector access to gallery artists and limited edition prints.
• Coates & ScarryflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based art dealers and curators. Ongoing curatorial collaboration on the Visual Language exhibition series examining art as a communication medium. Curated Visual Language: The Art of Protest (2023) and Visual Language: Vistas (2025). Twelve-year partnership history with exhibitions in Hong Kong, NYC, London, Bristol, and Los Angeles.
• EmergeastflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMiddle East's first online gallery championing MENA artists. Founded by Dima Abdul Kader and Nikki Meftah. Collaboration on Boundless/Binding exhibition (2024) featuring Middle Eastern female artists, examining identity and belonging narratives.
• Destroy ArtkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerBay Area DIY punk art organization dedicated to supporting visual artists from the punk rock community. Curatorial collaboration on PUNK LIVES exhibition celebrating intersection of punk and art, featuring original 1977 punk scene artists and contemporary punk-inspired works.
• Dále ZinekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerMiami-based art bookshop, gallery, and independent publisher founded in 2009. Co-curated HANDLE WITH CARE exhibition at Dále Zine's Miami Design District flagship. Both organizations operate outside conventional commercial gallery models with grassroots origins.
• MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerLos Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art. Partnership on MOCA Community Day (2019), a program centered around homelessness crisis. Subliminal Projects hosted Folk Medic workshop with Kris Chau, Hellen Jo, and Ako Castuera.
• Mana ContemporaryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMiami-based arts organization. Partner in Juxtapoz Clubhouse Miami (2018) full-neighborhood activation featuring 7 storefronts with gallery presentations and installations.
• Parks ProjectkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign goods company celebrating National Parks. Partnership on Power to the Parks exhibition (2019) and product capsule. Proceeds benefit National Parks Conservation Association.
• National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)keyOthersNonpartisan nonprofit (1.3M+ members) protecting national parks since 1919. Beneficiary of Power to the Parks exhibition; 50% of artwork sales proceeds donated to NPCA.
• Old Pal ProvisionskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerArtisan goods company. Produced Legalize Humanity exhibition (2020) benefiting RAICES (immigrant legal services). Launched campaign merchandise including t-shirts, prints, and accessories designed by LAND.
• RAICESkeyOthersTexas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit defending immigrant and refugee rights. Founded 1986. Inaugural beneficiary of Old Pal's Legalize Humanity campaign through Subliminal Projects exhibition. Provides free/low-cost legal services and social programs.
• Color of ChangekeyOthersNation's largest online racial justice organization (1.7M+ members). Beneficiary of Out of Touch fundraising exhibition (2020-2021); received 30% of art sales proceeds split with Heart to Heart International.
• Heart to Heart InternationalkeyOthersHumanitarian organization providing medical aid and supplies worldwide. Beneficiary of Out of Touch exhibition (2020-2021); received 30% of art sales proceeds split with Color of Change.
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)keyOthersConstitutional rights organization. Beneficiary of Cheryl Dunn: Let Them Eat Cake exhibition (2020); 25% of art purchase price donated to ACLU.
• Du-Good PresskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst and only Black Female-owned Fine Art Printshop in NYC, founded by Leslie Diuguid. Subliminal Projects hosted DU-GOOD exhibition (2021) featuring 70+ prints. Limited edition print series collaboration with Shepard Fairey, Emma Kohlmann, Justin Hager, and B. Anele.
• The Shepard and Amanda Fairey FoundationkeyOthersPrivate foundation devoted to supporting social justice through the arts. Beneficiary of Art Miami 2021 fair sales; preserves and promotes legacy and art of Obey Giant and Shepard Fairey.
• Amnesty InternationalminorOthersGlobal NGO focused on human rights. Beneficiary of Visual Language: The Art of Protest exhibition; 10% of proceeds donated during exhibition duration.
• Inner-City ArtsminorOthersLos Angeles-based educational space empowering children, teens, and community through art. Beneficiary of Visual Language: The Art of Protest exhibition; 10% of proceeds donated.
• Du-Good PresskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst and only Black Female-owned Fine Art Printshop in NYC, founded by Leslie Diuguid. DU-GOOD exhibition (2021) featured 70+ prints made by Diuguid with institutions and artists such as Barry McGee, Hassan Rahim, and Dominique Fung. Subliminal Projects released limited edition prints with Shepard Fairey, Emma Kohlmann, Justin Hager, and B. Anele.
• NTWRKminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPremier North American livestream shopping platform. Exclusive pre-opening drop of HOUSE33 exhibition works and behind-the-scenes content, hosted by Andy Cruz with master screen printer David Dodde.
• Shepard Fairey FoundationkeyOthersPrivate foundation supporting social justice through the arts. Beneficiary of Art Miami 2021 exhibition proceeds; committed to preserving and promoting OBEY GIANT and Shepard Fairey's artistic legacy.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Blum & Poe: LA-based contemporary art gallery representing blue-chip and mid-career artists. Most comparable on geographic positioning, gallery model, and contemporary program; differs by focusing more on established international contemporary names versus Subliminal's street-art/skate specialization.
• Deitch Projects: Long-running NYC contemporary gallery known for street art, muralism, and crossover contemporary programming. Closest peer on curatorial DNA (street art, muralists, countercultural positioning); similar project-space ethos and exhibition-driven model.
• Printed Matter: NYC-based nonprofit art bookshop and publisher specializing in artist editions, prints, and multiples. Closest peer on the limited-edition print and merchandise distribution model that Subliminal operates via its Shopify storefront; both bridge fine art and accessible printed editions.

Broad incumbents

• Pace Gallery: Global contemporary art gallery with deep blue-chip roster and multi-city presence. Competes for the same high-net-worth collectors and institutional buyers; significantly larger scale but operates an overlapping contemporary gallery business model with primary market sales, editions, and art fair participation.
• Gagosian: World's largest global contemporary art gallery network with 19+ locations. Directly competes for collector attention and institutional placements; significantly broader program but overlapping primary market sales, limited editions, and art fair strategy.
• Hauser & Wirth: Global gallery with locations in LA, NYC, London, Zurich and beyond; represents major contemporary artists with integrated publishing and hospitality businesses. Comparable as a contemporary gallery with editions program and art fair participation; broader scale and roster.

Others

• Juxtapoz Magazine: Long-running lowbrow/street art/skate culture magazine with adjacent gallery projects and fairs. Comparable on audience, cultural positioning, and artist community; operates as a media/curatorial brand rather than a traditional commercial gallery, similar to Subliminal's project-space model.
• MOCA Los Angeles: LA Museum of Contemporary Art, an existing Subliminal Projects partner (MOCA Community Day 2019). Operates in the same LA contemporary art ecosystem with overlapping artist relationships; comparable as a cultural institution rather than direct commercial competitor.

Emerging players

• The Hundreds: LA-rooted streetwear and content brand with deep ties to skate, street art, and countercultural communities. Comparable audience and cultural positioning; monetizes through apparel/drops rather than fine art sales, but operates overlapping community events and collaborations.

Regional players

• The Broad: LA-based contemporary art museum holding major works by street art-adjacent artists (Basquiat, Haring, Murakami, KAWS). Comparable on LA contemporary programming and overlapping artist communities; operates as a nonprofit museum rather than commercial gallery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/subliminal_art
• Facebookfacebook.com/subliminalprojects
• Instagraminstagram.com/subliminalprojects
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/subliminal-projects

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Subliminal Projects