I first heard about that in the Daily Star and I googled around.
The idea of the Face 2 Face Project (official website here) is to take photos of Palestinians and Israelis making goofy faces, print them HUGE - that is, 7 X 4 metres - and placard them in 
The photographer is a Frenchman (a JR, no last name) who is some sort of street activist.
Okay, watching their little video is cute and you kinda get the idea behind it: getting people who lead similar lives -same profession, same age, etc - and put the photos next to one another. It’s a nice human touch. And Idiot The Wise seems to dig.
I like it too. I would buy the book if there was one (well, there will be in June! See the website!).
The video btw has a lovely interview of an Imam, a Rabbi and a Priest who are talking about how Man was made at the image of God, and how admiring and loving the beauty of a Man is a way of loving God. In a sense this should've been the central issue of the exhibition: this is how they should've framed it...
Because as much as I like the concept, I don’t like the way it was applied... The large photos posted in a way where they HAVE to be seen - whether people want it or not.
The Daily Star article interviewed Israelis and Palestinians. While the Israelis interviewed seemed to appreciate the project, the Palestinians didn't quite - and I would feel the same as well...
I mean, putting myself in Palestinian shoes... This is what I'd think: I’m not sure if I want a giant face of an
Great idea. Bad application. Sad waste of effort...
But the photos are worth enjoying - click here! (from Idiot the Wise)
3 comments:
I reckon they look scary, some of them. What a great will and effort wasted.
I'm one of those Israelis whose photos are up on those posters. Believe me I'm not laughing at anybody, esp. at the Palestinians living behind the wall, in fact I'm a leading activist for peace and justice. The idea was to show our common humanity, to break down the walls of fear separating us... and perhaps a little humor could lift the heaviness of staring at the oppressive wall. The only way the wall will fall is to first take down the huge barriers of fear in our people's minds and hearts. I'll be the first one there with a sledge hammer when that day comes...
Hey Anonymous,
Many thanks for dropping by!
I have no doubt that you meant well. I am confident that all those who participated to the project thought so as well..
I think the project is both witty and smart. And that it's good to share a laugh - for a change.
I blame those who organised the project for not considering what this would be perceived for. The fact that photos were put almost so as to coerce people to see them introduces an element of force - which kills a part of the beauty of the project...
I wish you good luck with your work. May you succeed in bringing peace and justice. We could use some of that!
And if you're out there with a hammer, give me a buzz, I'd love to give you a hand!
PS - you say you're on the photos. So which one are you? :)
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