Here’s some photos of an afternoon strolling through downtown Yerevan in Armenia. To our surprise, we stumbled upon a parade and a few colorful characters along the way.
Mock Tear Gas Advertisements Inspired by Turkish Protests
The recent government protests at Istanbul’s Gezi Park left quite the impression about life and politics here in Turkey. The very public displays of police brutality allowed the international community to witness firsthand what is to be tolerated, and what isn’t…. [Read More]
Warning Signs: What Landmine Markings Teach Us About Design and Communication
The following is a collaborative post with Ed Lajoie, a research specialist and assistant project manager for the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery. There, he investigates landmines and the usage of minefield markings in post-conflict areas. In this post, we discuss a few principles of communication and design in the context of communicating danger in minefield markings.
As an assistant project manager at the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery, much of my job consists of helping those affected by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Each of my team members must take into account the culture and historical precedents of where ever these ordnances will take place, countries such as Tajikistan, Jordan and Croatia. However a growing interest of mine has been to investigate how various cultures use design or “markings” to communicate danger in these areas. … [Read More]
Museum Promotes Re-Opening with Rembrandt Flashmob
Art lovers, and general flash mob enthusiasts, would love the opportunity to partake in the reenactment of Rembrandt’s painting, “The Night Watch”. Low and behold, a flashmob of 30 Dutch actors galloping on horses bombard a shopping center–leaving shoppers at first impression feeling like they’re about to experience a sudden terrorist attack.
And what was it for? To promote the re-opening of the Rijks museum in Amsterdam. Oh, the power of great teamwork. And what an innovative way to market and advertise.
Conflict Breeds Creativity: 10 Middle Eastern Artists Who Inspire
Syrian artist, Tammam Azzam, was featured on the Huffington Post earlier this year for superimposing Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” over a bullet-ridden building in Damascus. This particular image went viral amongst the entire social hemisphere, captivating the hearts of romantics, freedom fighters, sufferers, and empathizers.
Azzam’s “passionate plea for universal love” resonates with so many people, including ourselves, as it depicts a reality so far removed from the Western world. The usage of a common denominator (in this case, Klimt’s most famous and recognizable work of art), anchors the image and creates a sense of connectedness with the art world.
