Solidarités International, an international humanitarian organisation, was looking to mark World Water Day with an awareness campaign that highlighted the scourge of undrinkable water.
That happened back in March this year but got made aware of this only now.. so you’ll excuse the belated post.
We were amazed here by the final effect – ie when the ink gets dropped to reveal the artwork but what we found even mire amazing is how the artist, Clement Beauvais, managed to create it.
The artist indeed needs to create an invisible water paintings on greaseproof paper.
The water beads and sits on top of the paper in clear rivulets.
With an eyedropper, Clément adds a single droplet of ink to the water and instantly darkness surges through the watery shape.
It’s amazing to watch an image loom out of seemingly nowhere.
It’s as much a performance as an artwork, as Clément has to time his drips perfectly to create the right tonal balance.
The main purpose of this Clement’s work was to engage the help of journalists to focus public attention on the issue of water contamination.
Clement certainly did manage that.
And of course, the core message is?
‘Your ink can help make an invisible problem visible’
A bit about World Water Day as it matters –
To mark World Water Day, on March 22nd Solidarités International and its agency BDDP Unlimited will roll out a campaign to build awareness of the scourge of undrinkable water.
Today, it is estimated that 3.6 million people, including 1.5 million children under the age of 5, die every year of diseases borne by unhealthy water, making it the world’s leading cause of death.
Yet the public isn’t aware of it and political leaders do not demonstrate the drive it takes to end the terrible deaths. The campaign calls on journalists to spread awareness of this scourge and appeal to readers to sign a petition that will be personally handed to the French president during the 6th World Water Forum in March 2012.
To evoke the silent and invisible threat of unhealthy water, BDDP Unlimited opted for a minimalist approach that is both visually appealing and surprising, using water and ink exclusively. The spot shows the power of ink to reveal the invisible.
The spot, created by BDDP Unlimited, produced by Hush and directed by Clément Beauvais, a young director, illustrator, musician and photographer. His multiple talents and mastery of various techniques enabled him to both create the drawings and direct the spot.
Using life-sized replicas of Batman’s famous costume as a blank canvas, each artist and celebrity will produce their own unique interpretation of the Dark Knight’s attire.
Despite the marked differences between their graphic and visual languages, long-time friends Paulo Arraiano (yup) and Diogo Machado (add fuel to the fire) have often collaborated on many projects. Over the years each has developed an extensive portfolio in the fields of graphic and visual arts, working in a variety of mediums. Each has also taken part in a great number of individual and collective exhibitions, in Portugal and abroad. This is the first time they are showcasing their work together in the UK.
