Art World
Artists Design Logos for Hong Kong’s Umbrella Revolution
The humble household item has become a pro-democracy meme.
Hong Kong artist Kacey Wong has launched a mock competition online for the best logo design for the city’s democracy movement—dubbed the “Umbrella Revolution” by the English-language media. The artist says the top three prizes for the contest are: “Justice, Democracy, and Freedom.” Entries have been flooding in.
When police fired tear gas at protesters last Sunday and threatened them with rubber bullets, the umbrella became an essential shield for the crowds. It also protected them from a severe rainstorm that occurred later in the week, and provided shade from the noon sun, when temperatures can soar past 30 degrees Celsius.
“The umbrella has transformed from a simple household item into an object of revolution,” Wong told artnet News. “It represents resistance against tyranny and brutality.”
Wong’s contest has kicked off an umbrella-themed meme that’s taking on a life of its own. Supporters of the movement all over the world are creating clever Umbrella Revolution logo designs and posting them online.
“Social media has changed the way one participates in social movements, such as a revolution. I started the contest as a disguise to generate more concern for our cause,” said Wong. “The objective is to create a ‘safe platform’ for everyone to participate. It is through this kind of participation that we can generate enough awareness.”
Send your design to Kacey Wong’s Facebook inbox.
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