Eighteen prints. One message: Stop the Genocide.
As part of my Art School activities, I’ve just carved this linocut and used it to hand-print a small edition of “Tank Boy”. Based on a real photo of a boy in Gaza confronting an Israeli tank, each of the 18 prints is different. Each carries the marks of carving, ink and pressure. They're numbered and ready to go out into the world.
For me, this is artivism - bringing art and activism together. A way to turn grief and injustice about Palestine into something tangible that other people can carry, display and share.
The enormous imbalance of power between the child and the tank is at the heart of this image. Children deserve safety, dignity and a future.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sending these prints on their way through friends and other people willing to help the message travel. As they find their places, I’ll share their journeys @LyrebirdDream. If you find or see them somewhere, share them too.
A print won’t stop a tank. But it can start a conversation, express solidarity and help keep demand for justice visible.
Eighteen prints, heading out into the world. Watch this space.
Its a brilliant depiction. It is a disgrace that our government is not imposing sanctions on Israel, or stopping the export of arms components that end up in Israel.
I am currently reading ‘This is not a Border.’ 2017, Bloomsbury Press. Written by a collection of authors who attended Palfest before the geocide. That image, Greg, describes a twelve year old boy, who stood his ground in front of the approaching army tanks, throwing stones. The IDF shot the child, who died in hospital in Nablus. His name was Odai. This was not an isolated incident and it happened circa 15 years before the ‘war’.
Brilliant Gregory. Would you share a pdf of the artwork? I'm going to a vigil for October 7 on Sunday - I'd love to get one printed A3. Thanks.
Would make great bumper stickers which would be seen widely?
This is awesome Gregory. Thank you for all you do.