Speak of Peace

I was sent these images from Milan, Italy, with the following note:

More than 3000 comic balloons saying "Peace" were placed on top of the city's posters: now from the mouth of every single testimonial comes one single message. The promotions don't scream "cheap" or "new" anymore - "peace" became the key word this Christmas.

Pace, paz, paix, frieden, as-salaam, shalom, he ping, heiwa and mir. Different ways of saying the same thing: Peace.

Peace was the subject of a guerrilla operation to promote the social role of graphic design. The pacifist campaign hit the outdoor posters of Milan, Italy, between the 19th and 21st December, with explicit peace messages.

A silent army of socially concerned designers wishing to do raise awareness of social issues put up one of the most interesting operations of guerrilla graphics to have happened recently in the city of Milan. A universal wish for a peaceful Christmas, to be understood in every part of the world.

The project is a part of Good 50x70.

Spotted in Seattle: Bike Parking

I like this simple and clever bike rack that identifies itself clearly, which I found in several places throughout Seattle.




(Reminds me of the great bike racks I spotted in Hawaii)

Spotted in NYC: One man's trash...

The great thing about New York City is you can go around spray painting trash gold in the middle of the day and nobody will bother you. I actually spotted the two guys doing this, (carefully lifting up each piece, painting it over a piece of paper and then putting it back where it was), but left them alone to do their thing and then came back later to document. It was only for about half a block on 14th street and the trail seemed to emanate from a recently painted city works structure, that was a remarkably similar gold color. Preplanned public art or spur of the moment amusement? Either way I find it really satisfying.

PARK(ing) Day: September 21

Started in San Francisco in 2005, PARK(ing) Day is now an international event of small proportions. City dwellers worldwide are encouraged to build a mini-park in a parking spot to draw attention to how streets are utilized and the lack greenspace in urban areas. Find out more and directions for making your own Park(ing) Space here.

Thanks Mim!