CHALLENGE:
There is a discrepancy in how the country views and is viewed by groups of its citizens.
In this editorial project, my goal was to create visuals that would be arresting and provoke questions that challenged one's empathy. It's been a long time coming, but the tension erupted early in 2020 with police brutality escalating to murder.
APPROACH:
How do you visually show "two sides of the same coin" in the context of a countries narrative? The stories are vastly different from one group and culture to the next?
Night and day different, and the goal is to show that difference.
Showcasing the narrative that overlooks and oppresses while calling out those
who are oblivious and refuse to see the issues.
In these editorial illustrations, the goal was to use the flag as a visual metaphor to provoke questions that challenge people to look long and hard at what's happening. Using the symbolism of freedom and pride to help bring dignity to someone climbing the "economic ladder" or steps to a better future was used to help portray things for folks that have benefited from the countries history of slavery. I felt it was essential to show the two sides of the flag. How it helps some build a better future while hindering others. The stripes of freedom become bars of oppression, limiting resources and opportunities.
These illustrations work as editorial; what if they were billboards used to help start conversations. Special thanks to Clay Banks for covering the protests in Charlotte, NC. Clay graciously agreed to let me use them in these mockups and continue to bring awareness to these issues. Check out more of his images here.
Above photo from Unsplash: Scott Webb
Above photo from Unsplash: Etienne Godiard
