Print Shop: Rainier Display (rainierdisplay.com)
Location: Seattle, Washington
Tools and Supplies: Durst Rho 500R printer, Verseidag 8.5 oz. Seemee Mesh Supreme
THE SUMMER OF 2020 was eventful to say the least. Americans were (and still are) in the midst of a pandemic as well as immense social movements in support of racial justice. Seattle was at the heart of much of the national news. To make his mark on the city, world-famous artist Shepard Fairey designed “American Rage” installed by Rainier Display on the 9th and Thomas building owned by Blanton Turner. Fairey, known for many works of art, most notably the 2008 Barack Obama “Hope” poster, designed an American flag-masked man to grace the side of the building.
The 1176 square-foot banner was printed with a Durst Rho 500R printer onto Verseidag 8.5-oz. Seemee Mesh Supreme. The project began before the building even broke ground, in collaboration with Sellen Construction and the building’s architects. Eye-bolts and blocking were designed into the original construction plans to display artwork. A different banner was set to hang, but due to the unprecedented times, Fairey’s artwork was installed during the summer.
Despite the height of the building exceeding 150 feet tall, a lift was not used during the installation. A high-access repelling team of five installers with ropes installed the massive banner in a coordinated plan of action. The installation was impressive, and so was the impact left on the city.