With only four weeks left until Groundswell's Annual Art Auction Benefit, the bidding wars are about to begin! 
 
If you've traversed near Bowery and Broome recently, you may have seen "We Own the Future" - a monumental mural by this week's art auction featured artist, Shepard Fairey. 
 
In true activist form, you might also be planning to march alongside him this Sunday at the People's Climate March. 
 
Artist and art activist Shepard Fairey, widely known for his Barack Obama "Hope" poster, is considered one of today's most influential street artists. 
 
Coming from humble beginnings as a skateboarding art student handing out homemade stickers on the streets of Providence, he is now respected as one of the art world's most compelling provocateurs. 
 
Despite an indifference to the "rules" of contemporary art and culture, his art can now be seen in famed art institutions and high-end galleries. Fairey's work is included in the collections of The Smithsonian, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Museum of Modern Art. He has also made a lasting impact in the spaces of graphic design and apparel. 
 
Fairey has described his motivation by stating: "The real message behind most of my work is 'question everything.'" 
 
Take a look at and get ready to bid on Fairey's "Mandala Ornament 1," and indeed all the iconic street art included in this year's event, at Groundswell's online auction (hosted by Paddle8). Online bidding begins on September 30th at noon and continues online through the end of the event.

 And, of course, if you haven't already, purchase your tickets now. What are you waiting for?