Design Intervention

Some call it vandalism. Others a waste of time. Some don't even pay attention to it. I call it art. 

Design Interventions are meant to create a reaction. Most of the time, they do... Repulsion, fear, laughs, a smile, they always do something to the people who happen to witness them. 

Here are a few examples of interventions I particularly find interesting. I hope you like them too. 

And remember, one might not be able to change the world overnight, but they you can always try to make a difference, try the show the blind what they can not see, help them see colors, maybe?

"Banksy is a British graffiti artist, political activist and painter, whose identity remains unconfirmed. His satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine irreverent dark humour with graffiti done in a distinctive stenciling technique. Such artistic works of political and social commentary have been featured on streets, walls, and bridges of cities throughout the world."  (Wikipedia) 




Banksy is probably the most famous art interventionist you will ever come across. His was a 
worldwide reputation.
I personally love that he's very committed to change his world and mock the world, show them how stupid they can be. 
His work is strong, loud, blunt, straight forward, committed and of course nicely done. 
I wanted to share them with you, or at least show a glimpse of his projects.

This was done by a street artist in Budapest. Unfortunately, I couldn't find his name. But regardless, I find this beautiful. The contrast between the thin lines and the big circle. The movement that follows and also takes over the place. This "bird" becomes part of the setting, part of nature in this abandoned building.

This one also was anonymous, but very touching. Amidst the ruins in Burma, someone wrote with some blood red spray paint "Save Burma". This is probably a cry for help. The artist was hoping people all over the world could see his pain and help his country. I hope they did. 

In his public-art intervention Dispersed Arguments, Matt Pych appears to have stenciled words on Brooklyn sidewalks using birdseed. The words spell out phrases in a couple's feud that then, thanks to avian accomplices, get dissipated. A plea for healing?  

I particularly like this intervention, because it is very poetic, and at the same time, very beautiful. It also helps to feed the birds. So all is good. It was not a polluting act, or a violent act, just a peaceful message to remind us that everything in life is futile and ephemeral. 

These two images I found on the web. They made me smile. And I thought I would share them with you. It is very easy to do an art intervention. The smallest thing could get all the attention you want and never dreamt of getting. All it takes is a decision. 

This example here is one that I particularly adhere to. I am so sick and tired of all sorts of discriminations that I think this is a great thing to try here in Lebanon. It might not be huge, but at least I'd make a point. I hope one day people will stop hating each other on such shallow grounds. 

Amnesty International Ads

Being an international member of Amnesty International, I wanted to show some of their campaign's posters because of the strong message they are conveying. Millions of people are being tortured, some are dying out of hunger, others are being beaten by their husbands. There's always something that we can do, if we just took the time to look at someone other than ourselves.

World Wildlife Fund Ads

These 3 WWF posters are amazing. I particularly love the first and the last one. They make you think about what you are actually doing to the earth. Global warming is not a myth no more. It is a reality. And one should do something about it. 

Unfortunately here in Lebanon, green awareness is nonexistent. There are always exceptions of course. 

A rising movement in Lebanon

http://ashrafiehtimes.com/main/2010/11/04/interview-with-save-beirut-heritage-movement/


A friend of mine, Giorgio Guy Tarraf, along with some of his friends, founded this organization that aims to protect Lebanon's heritage.
 If you happen to be in Beirut, you will notice that old beautiful buildings are being destroyed, only to let another ugly monument that I can't even call "building" arise in its place. This is sad. The fact that in Europe they preserver all of their ancient buildings and architectural sites, whereas here we just replace them without blinking with ugly blocks that we call buildings. 
Save Beirut Heritage helps protecting old buildings from getting destroyed or even old cafes that are part of our country's heritage. Anything that might be a threat to our historical legacy is a potential enemy. I say that's the spirit we're looking for in this country.