Political engaged art

I passionately believe in cultural activism and can't but advocate for the importance of art that engages socio-political concerns. As such, Ma Boule Ma Bulle is keen on promoting artists involved in contemporary politically engaged art, specially when it comes to solidarity activities with Gaza & the Palestinian people.

For more, check ArabAd's blog or my new blog DESIGN 961 on all political design, social related creative communication & anti-war design expressions.

PASTE THE RAINBOW...

Michelangelo & the 10 commandments, originally uploaded by Sugarpoppy.

Airbrushed piece created by Lebanese young artist Elie Zaarour in public at the Martyr Square, downtown Beirut during the national Marathon race day, Sunday, November 30. Copywriting of the 10 commandments by me, Sugar Pop, aka Ghada Azzi.

The Most Recognisable Face In The World

The Most Recognizable Face In The World, originally uploaded by Ian David Blüm.

Here is one innovative translation of Che's iconic portrait by Alberto Cordas. Lovely!

Revolution

'The fist' was part of Free for Wall exhibition- work by R1

War is Art

A political poster designed by Jesus Barraza submitted to Art of Politics contest

If you have a word to say about Peace and are able to design a poster, Join ArabAd Peace Poster Design Contest before it's too late.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "we shall return no matter how long it takes," reads that poster--designed by 'yasary-masry'--supporting the Palestinian cause.

By Leftist, an Egyptian national very much into the graphic social & political arts, with a bold & unique approach while tackling socio-political matters. He speaks loud his discontent & makes clear his dissent to many worldwide symptoms, including dictatorships, freedom of the press, globalisation, capitalism, wild liberalism, the dichotomy of the society, human rights etc. He often subverts international brand's identity to make a statement. Here is someone, who believes firmly in the power of communication, as an effective tool to impact social change. You can have a look on his Flickr stream. You are certain to be amazed. It's great & sharp work!

I Feel

Mood Swings of d day 2day From Fragil, Street Art Barcelona

TURN YOUR LIGHTS DOWN LOW...

On Saturday, March 29, at 8 p.m. Do, TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS!!! Make a statement about climate change by turning off your lights for Earth Hour for one hour on the 29th evening (at 8 your local time)-- until 9 pm -- to promote electricity conservation; thus, contribute in lowering carbon emissions. Earth Hour 2007 was a Sydney event. Earth Hour 2008 is a global movement. Created by the World Wildlife Fund, WWF in Sydney, in 2007, Earth Hour has grown, in one year, from an event in one city to a global movement. [A partnership was formed in August 2006 between WWF-Australia's Andy Ridley, Leo Burnett's Nigel Marsh and Fairfax Media's Phil McLean with a planned campaign launched early 2007.] In 2008, millions of people, businesses, governments and civic organisations, in nearly 200 cities [24 global cities including Dubai] around the globe, seem ready to turn out for Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis; simple changes that will collectively make a difference – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby. So, if you care about your Planet and want to play a part in helping to fight climate change, Turn out for Earth Hour! For One Hour!

In a country, where electricity hardly reaches anyone, supporting Global Warming through EARTH HOUR is as easy as it gets...

Lebanon, ONLY, has ONE Business supporter [Cedars for Care Beirut] & TWO individuals, Sugar Pop & Ocean, along with two dogs [Huggy & Sugar] SUPPORTING Earth Hour; whereas... 12 hours b4 EARTH HOUR kicks off: 277, 715 people from around the world have signed in so far; aside of the 19, 740 businesses that joined...

How ABSURD is THAT??..

& Earth Hour Momentum is still Building up...

If you feel some compassion towards home, Mother Earth, Sign up herefor Earth Hour 2008 before 8PM. But Hey, Keep your good habits all through your Life!

& Don't forget to Switch off @ 8PM your local time.

Olympicuffed games

Art can be a powerful tool for raising social awareness. A statement about the upcoming Olympic games of Beijing by Ronald Wigman from Red Bubble art gallery & online creative community. Available on T-shirts too, for some 24 bucks. I want One...Too...More...5...

Perfectissimo creative approach!

The largest world prison

Reporters Without Borders’ Beijing 2008 campaign was released in the French newspaper Libération and on 'Reporters sans Frontières' website. Since China will be hosting the Olympic Games next August, Reporters without Borders rolled out a campaign asserting, "China is the largest world prison for freedom of expression defenders." Many celebrities who have endorsed RSF's campaign (French actress Carole Bouquet among a handful of other prominent figures) are being photographed by Jean-François Robert wearing the "Beijing 2008" T-shirt condemning China's stance vis-à-vis human rights issues. The Beijing 2008 campaign T-shirt is on sale for €25 or $30, and is not made in China, mind you, but got printed in France.

[In French] Read more from Libé

[In English] Read Reporters without Borders full report:

Repression continues in China, six months before Olympic Games

If we know...

Graphic visual by Gilles Dupuis

KOOL

An article in the L.A Times reads: "The interface between the two: culture-jamming, where advertising billboards are altered with subversive messages, focusing particularly on the art of Ron English, who is responsible for such works as a toe-tagged cadaver with the legend “Forever Kool” (Kool is a North American brand of cigarettes) and “Camel Kids”, featuring child versions of Joe Camel, the Camel cigarette mascot." The IPKat says: “This is an area of IP law where there are no easy answers. On the one hand, if advertising is legally protected from all by third parties, it constitutes a ubiquitous one-way conversation between the advertiser and the public. On the other hand, courts generally feel unhappy about artists riding roughshod over other peoples’ property rights in the interests of free speech.” Click I Read for more

Propaganda-fed citizens

I just can't get enough of ads' parody, subverted logos, and graphic manipulations of super brands . Maybe it's a way to remind myself that the world is twisting too fast...And then, let such a thought trigger the usual... An existential anxiety that would go on to precipitate my mind in all directions, and have my neurones -- or what is left of them-- roll and refresh... Another reason, could also be to reassure myself that I agree with the likes of Adbusters and Kasle Lasne and I should stop thinking and agreeing, rather acting and engaging myself in what every cause I believe in... That post has already diminished my guilt trip since posting these images and letting the blog roll is already one adbusting action. Provided the messages get to someone through this post; and naturally, someone somewhere would start thinking that he, too, should start acting Adbusters mode. Enjoy this delicious propaganda-fed citizens; it is good stuff and definitely refreshing parody for every brain.