Green Patriots Come to Cleveland
For more than two years now, my wife Susannah Sayler and I have been producing a distinctive blend of art-activism known as The Canary Project. The project started with Susannah photographing landscapes around the world dramatically impacted by climate change. We then organized these photographs into exhibits, books, websites and other forms of display that helps educate the public. We worked with scientists, writers and other artists to find ways to make their message available to a wide range of audiences, and have produced exhibits in everything from formal museums to the sides of busses.
These collaborations utilizing the photographs have led to other projects—everything from couture dresses made from recycled men’s dress shirts to video of a three-hundred pound block of ice melting on a New York City street. All of The Canary Project works are dedicated to the same goal: deepening public understanding of climate change and energizing commitment to solutions.
Our latest project, for which they are joined by Dmitri Siegel as creative director, is Green Patriot Posters, Inspiring Action for Energy Independence and the Fight Against Climate Change.
Last November, The Canary Project had an exhibit of Susannah’s photographs at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Down the hall was a display of WWII posters. We were struck by the effectiveness of the posters and also by how many dealt with ecological themes like saving gas, recycling and creating “Victory Gardens.” So, The Canary Project enlisted the help of Siegel to recreate the spirit of those WWII posters, using a contemporary design language and advertising strategies that would speak to people today.
During World War II, strong, action-oriented posters played a crucial role in energizing the American people behind conservation. Taking action was presented in these posters as vital for the common good of the nation and those who were willing to sacrifice were portrayed as attractive, dynamic American heroes. Now a similar mobilization of America is required to face the ecological crisis posed by global climate change. To help meet this challenge The Canary Project and its partners are running a campaign to commission poster designs from leading firms and designers and also to solicit other designs through a national competition.
The first series of designs were by Michael Bierut, the influential designer and former president of the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Bierut’s designs appeared in July on the sides and interiors of more than 60 buses in Cleveland. Bierut tackled two key issues in his designs: energizing support for public transportation and green jobs. The Canary Project will be launching a national competition for designs in October.
For more information, visit The Canary Project blog at www.changents.com/canary or www.greenpatriotposters.org.
August/September 2008 Contents