In an era marked with social, political and cultural challenges, “Posters for Peace” offers images, messages and ideas centered around promoting peace and fostering meaningful dialogue on pressing issues.
Curated by Johnathon Strube, assistant professor of Graphic Design at ETSU, and developed in collaboration with Pasaj Collaborative and exhibition creator Pouya Jahanshahi, this exhibit is a celebration of peace and unity.
First showcased at the Tipton Gallery in July 2024, this exhibition’s second appearance aligns with the United Nations Day for Peace on September 21.
This timely return to the gallery serves as an underscore to the university’s dedication to promoting dialogue and reflection on global issues within the campus and surrounding community
“As the university aims to improve people’s lives in the region and beyond, an exhibition presenting peace can have a positive impact anywhere,” stated Strube.
With this return, visiting audiences can expect to experience compelling messages from a diverse group of designers ranging from the United States, China, Denmark, Iran and Mexico.
Each of these artists brings with them their own interpretation of what peace means to them, often addressing dissent and social change.
Throughout this exhibition is a wide range of digital prints, each unifying material, typography, imagery and color to craft a truly moving message.
All of these elements come together to allow each artist the ability to speak to different aspects of peace and conflict in their own, unique way.
However, curating an exhibition centered around peace is not an easy task, as such an inherently complex and subjective theme as peace can look different all throughout the world.
“Peace for one person may not be the same for another,” stated Strube. “To deal with this complexity, some pieces communicate dissent for specific issues seen as impediments to peace, while other pieces might speculate on futures without peace or plea for a collective action”.
Although this exhibition highlights the many ways of communicating what peace can look like for different people, “Posters for Peace” still aims to communicate one goal: to inspire thoughtful dialogue and reflection on peace, unity and social change.
By exploring diverse perspectives from around the globe, “Posters for Peace” offers a powerful reminder of our shared human experiences and the universal longing for peace
ETSU will host a reception and “Diverse Discussions” panel on Thursday, Nov. 14. Moderated by Strube, this panel includes Jahanshahi, along with scholars Michael Bufano, Michele L. Crumley and Nathaniel Farnor, each bringing a unique expertise that will enrich the dialogue inspired by the exhibition.
For more information on this powerful project, please visit 20x20postersforpeace.com.
