© Jackie Munoz. Image courtesy of Karmaloop

Artist Shepard Fairey skyrocketed to success with his iconic poster images for the Obama “Hope” campaign. Having infiltrated public consciousness with his affiche-esque propaganda art, Fairey was commissioned to design catalogue covers and shopping bags for Saks Fifth Avenue and has since set his sights on yet another high profile campaign.

The creator of OBEY has teamed up with online streetwear retailer Karmaloop and MTV Staying Alive Foundation to create a limited edition T-shirt inspired by the late Keith Haring, an influential street artist and AIDS activist. Made of 100% cotton, the T-shirt features a sledgehammer with a red heart, representing breaking the stigma of AIDS through compassion and the dedication to spread awareness.

““AIDS awareness is really important, especially where people aren’t as aware or it’s culturally taboo…The goal of the T-shirt graphic is to fight this, get the message out, talk about the issue and encourage safe sex.  A lot of what I’ve done with my art is to use anger as a positive energy and re-channel it for something good”, said Fairey.

In addition to donating 40% of the proceeds to raise AIDS awareness, Karmaloop’s “Empower the Youth” call for action blends creativity with social activism. Youth have been asked to submit their own designs in the hope of winning US$5000, a custom-made T-shirt and the opportunity to retail the winning design on Karmaloop’s website. Moving beyond fashion fads to encourage youth to become active and creative supporters of change, Karmaloop’s message is clear.

Want to change the world? Commit yourself to the task and dont be afraid of wearing your heart on your T-shirt. Yes, you can.

T-shirts retail for US$24 and are being sold exclusively at www.karmaloop.com.