Tottele

The artwork "Tottele" by street artist Plan B takes inspiration from Shepard Fairey’s iconic "Obey" art and adapts it to a Finnish context by featuring the almost mythological figure of Urho Kekkonen, who served as Finland's president from 1956 to 1982. "Tottele" means "Obey" in Finnish.

By merging the imagery of Shepard Fairey – whose original "Obey" works encourage reflection on authority, propaganda, and conformity – with the face of Kekkonen, Plan B creates a striking juxtaposition. Kekkonen is an emblematic political figure in Finland, often seen as both a charismatic leader and a dominant force in shaping postwar Finnish society. Choosing him highlights themes of power, authority, and the Finnish experience of governance.

Plan B’s style often critiques political and social topics by repurposing familiar symbols and presenting them in new, provocative ways, inviting viewers to question their relationship to authority and tradition. In "Tottele," the use of Kekkonen’s face, paired with the word "obey," becomes a playful yet critical social commentary on how leaders become icons, and on the relationship between citizens and those who hold power.

Plan B chose Urho Kekkonen specifically because he is a legendary and instantly recognizable figure in Finland, almost mythic in status. This makes his image a powerful vehicle for questioning not just Finnish history but larger ideas of leadership, control, and the ways we internalize national myths.