Photo: Brandon English
You may have noticed something something a little strange going on in ATL during your morning commute. A series of thirty 16' x 19' banners now dot some of Atlanta's most vibrant neighborhoods, all including the hashtag #SignsOfSolidarityATL.
The public art project is inspired by a similar idea that sprouted in Philadelphia. The original concept was to hang banners with messages of love from just a few private homes, it then grew into a city-wide project.
Atlanta's arts community quickly mobilized to take part in this initiative. The goal is simple: spread messages of hope and positivity. Signs are hanging in Atlanta hotspots around Midtown, Edgewood, EAV, Old Fourth Ward, Cabbagetown, and Castleberry Hills, all through Inauguration Day Weekend.
Photo: Brandon English
Photo: Brandon English
"We refuse to accept the normalization of divisiveness and the hate it breeds. Atlanta, as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, should stand against hate. We recognize that Atlanta is made better by its diverse communities. We are a better city when we practice love and inclusivity." - Signs of Solidarity ATL
The Brutal Studio crew
Fabian Williams (left), Living Walls/Brandon English (right)
Several local artists and arts organizations, such as Mammal Gallery and Living Walls, were invited to create banners. Some of our favorite ATLiens involved in the project include: Barry Lee, Grant Henry, Catherine Rush, Brandon English, Monica Campana, and Allie Bashuk.
WUSSY reached out to queer artist Shannon Palumbo, recently featured in The Body Issue, to create a message of love that would hang outside of our favorite watering hole—Mary's Atlanta. The sign (below) is a section pulled from Allen Ginsburg's Howl.
Shannon Palumbo's Banner outside Mary's
Project photographers include: Brandon English, Modou Jallow, Isadora Pennington, Tim Lampe, Sharif Hassan and Kristin Ferro.
For more information on the project, check out the group's Facebook Page.