Features / brandalism
In photos: brandalism hits Bristol
Parody adverts for cars have appeared across Bristol as part of a nationwide “ad hack” by the Brandalism network.
The artworks have appeared in locations including Gloucester Road bus stops and a St Werburgh’s billboard, as well as on Stapleton Road, Whitehall Road and the M32 corridor.
The guerilla artworks featuring well-known brands were installed without permission in Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, London and Exeter.
is needed now More than ever
Dave Walker originally drew this cartoon for Cycling UK – photo: Brandalism
Brandalism is an international network of artists who use ‘subvertising’ (subverting advertising) to unmask corporate PR campaigns – photo: Brandalism
Peter Marcuse from Brandalism said: “Car adverts promote private car ownership as a status symbol. Themes of power, success and social status are mixed with exotic locations and empty roads to promote a mirage of freedom and mobility.
“The resulting problems of traffic congestion, worsening air pollution and climate breakdown are left out of these glitzy ads.”
Campaigners have swapped ads for art – photo: Brandalism
The parody adverts took particular aim at highly polluting sports utility vehicles (SUVs) – photo: Brandalism
Marcuse added: “Our towns and cities have become so dominated by private cars that we’re struggling to implement sustainable alternatives as the health and social costs mount.
“The active promotion of polluting vehicles through advertising campaigns isn’t helping the situation. We need a cultural shift away from cars.”
Brandalism repurposed several bus stops along Gloucester Road for their latest campaign – photo: Brandalism
“Outdoor advertising billboards are used to promote new cars to motorists stuck in traffic. It’s absurd,” says Brandalism’s Peter Marcuse – photo: Brandalism
“Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race,” said HG Wells – photo: Brandalism
More than 30 artists including Paul Insect, Jimmy Cauty, Dr.D, Fokawolf, Darren Cullen, Matt Bonner and Michelle Tylicki created 45 different artwork designs for the nationwide campaign.
Opposition to outdoor advertising billboards has continued to grow in recent months, with Adblock Bristol now part of the Adfree Cities network.
The group argue that outdoor advertising can exacerbate inequalities between neighbourhoods as heavy road networks which contain the most outdoor advertising sites and worst air quality are typically located in poorer neighbourhoods.
Main photo: Brandalism
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