Paste-up to stand-up
Iβve always been inspired by the raw passion that is the basis of punk subculture. Much like the present, 1970βs punk was a cultural movement that spoke to young people who were pessimistic about their future because of the harsh economic conditions. As a result, this gave people a space to express themselves and their anger in the rubble of political and social malaise through the movementβs established principles of DIY, accessibility, and freedom.Punks diy ethos resulted in accessible visual art such as graffiti and graphic posters wheat pasted throughout the streets, which is something still very much prevalent today.
I was fed up with all the injustices of those in power. From brutal wars to stripping away womenβs and queer peopleβs rights. Creating these fliers was triggered by my initial fear turned anger when witnessing the disgusting rise in neo-nazi culture, femicide, the Matthew effect (the rich get richer while the poor get poorer), rise in homophobia/transphobia and racism. I believe that the political changes currently happening in America, is causing those fueled by hate to speak up and act out around the world, including Australia. I became appalled at how quickly the world is going backwards regarding inclusivity and support for everyday people.
My goal:
These fliers aimed to inspire people to reconnect with their punk heritage and actively take charge. I want to see more people not just sit around and talk on an online forum, but to utilise their skills to make a real impact, no matter how small. I want people to act out! Graffiti in bathroom stalls, draw up fliers, scream your beliefs, protest, make yourself heard, support small communities, help and care for each other! Itβs rough out there at the moment, but we will always have each other. I fear we have forgotten the power of community. I used what I had access to create these fliers: Pencils, paper, a free editing app and an Office-works printer. I printed off as many as I could afford and went around the city with friends, giving them some to take and stick wherever they wanted, and pasted them up with home-made wheat paste. utilising my community to make this project happen.
If you spot one, feel inspired to make your own and share my work!
Featureed in GxG Magazine Launch party Magazine Instagram
Images by Butch IG: @Be.you.photographs Website: Beyouphotographs
