'Projection Protest Group' Who Stage Actions Inspired by the Bat Signal

David_D

(First off, a disclaimer at the top: I personally have no interest in this becoming a discussion about Occupy or the specific politics at play here. If you want to, knock yourself out. But, to me what is interesting about this story is the way that comics mythology has inspired actions in the real world.)

A radio story on WNYC caught my attention yesterday, about a protest group whose action methodology were inspired by a particular bit of comics mythology. Here is the lead:

The Illuminator is a group of activists in New York City who project words and images on the side of buildings like “End Coal” or “Save the Wolves.” They have also projected a giant, moving eyeball on the side of a telecommunications building to protest spying by the NSA.

The group was born on November 17th, 2011, the day Occupy Wall Street activists were kicked out of Zuccotti Park and marched across the Brooklyn Bridge. Mark Read wanted to show his support for the activists, so he shined a "Bat Signal" on the Verizon building by the East River. But he didn't use the Batman, instead it was the logo for Occupy: 99%.

Several current members of The Illuminator say that moment convinced them to join up with Read. He also inspired a financial donor, Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. He paid for a periscope-projector in a souped-up van that makes it easier to display images on buildings throughout the city. To keep funding going, The Illuminator now stages protests for hire – so long as they believe in the cause.

And they’re sharing their technology with other activists around the country who are starting their own projection protest groups.

You can read more and hear the story here. It is an interesting segment. Worth the listen.

And the website for The Illuminator, including more examples of their work, is here.

WetRats

Link isn't working.

David_D

WetRats said:

Link isn't working.

Fixed.

Thanks!