A new project by the Anti-Advertising Agency with Graffiti Research Lab.
Advertising is the vandalism of the Fortune 500.
And despite that, we still don’t like it.
Between October 2006 and December 2006, the City of New York has removed or obscured 59 illegal banners on sidewalk sheds. In that same period, Chase was forced to remove all illegal sidewalk projections at branches around Manhattan. And now, years into NYC’s crackdown on graffiti writers and protesters, after we’ve watched our friends be detained, arrested, beat, fined, tried, and given real jail sentences, not a single corporate toy from any ad firm has had to do any time.
This could mean only one thing. They’ve called off the law. Open City. Let’s all get to work.
This is the first collaboration between the Anti-Advertising Agency and Graffiti Research Lab. Modified from Ji Lee’s Abstractor TV. We used black foam core ($10/sheet) cut with a laser cutter – however, this project can be done with an x-acto blade, black construction paper, and duct tape for next to nothing. It can be repeated using any backlit display – bus shelters, display ads, television store windows… dream big, act now.
Download 1024 x 768 animated gif below:
NYC’s TRUE GRAFFITI PROBLEM
GRAFFITI
GRAFFITI = ADVERTISING
For for more sneaky flicks click here
Eyebeam R&D Open Lab…Be healed!
Track By Ratatat.
Build on it, like: The Pixelator
50 Comments
Um, the link to the AM New York article is about CHASE bank’s illegal sidewalk projections – not Citibank, as stated in the text of this article.
Thanks for the heads up on Chase. It’s been corrected.
[…] click: Anti-Advertising Agency […]
Amen. That’s awesome! Great idea and execution.
[…] http://antiadvertisingagency.com/projects/light-criticism/ […]
Great work.
What is the music in the video?
The music is Ratatat (credit above).
Great project nice work!
Dont you find it ironic by calling attention to so called graffiti you actively create your own to replace it. I do however not disagree with you. Graffiti by definition is artwork in public on public property. And I think it’s limiting to say that it’s made with chalk or spray paint. If someone in building a blasted a giant motion video through the use of a projector on building b isn’t that a form of grafiti? I think so. I bet the cops would too…
graf·fi·ti (used with a plural verb) markings, as initials, slogans, or drawings, written, spray-painted, or sketched on a sidewalk, wall of a building or public restroom, or the like
Great work, Steve. Have posted a link on my site which will no doubt drive MILLIONS of visitors. Heh. Call me when you’re headed my way or to L.A. as I’m taking over Kasey’s Venice apt. while she’s in Sydney (til June).
[…] Two admirable organizations, The Anti-Advertising Agency and Graffiti Research Lab have just collaborated on a nicely executed piece of activism. New York City has recently installed flat-screen video billboards on the sidewalk, and well, somebody had to say something. The idea began with Ji Lee’s Abstractor and has evolved to this. […]
It’s great that someone is trying to do something about all these horrible ads that we are forced to look at every day. I used to live in Manhattan, but I couldn’t take how fake everything was becoming. It was starting to feel like being in hell. I hope you guys are also involved with Adbusters – they could help you build an army of anti-advertisers.
[…] Read more here (via The Anti-Advertising Agency) to learn how graffiti artists are reclaiming public space and turning commercialism into art. […]
[…] En av de bästa vloggarna jag vet är Rocketboom. Har följt det över ett år nu, och dess dagliga dos gör mig uppåt. Kvalitetsstämpeln har sagt sitt. Joanne har alltid den perfekta sammanfattningen av vad som händer där ute, om det så gäller konst, miljö, techytech eller humor. Rekomenderas, och finns i alla möjliga format för alla möjliga spelare. Dagens avsnitt här presenterade följande fenomen till de ljuva tonerna av Ratatat: […]
I like the overall approach, but I have one concern. Graffiti to me can be a positive thing, unlike advertising, which is capitalist indoctrination. Now, some graffiti, like tired ass tagging (no glass houses, I used to tag), is boring and the individual version of Nike’s wallpapering of the swoosh. I think that there should be an argument for smarter stuff but I think that saying that shit like “NY’s true graffiti problem” and “graffiti equals advertising” both reinforces the meme that graffiti is a bad thing and falsely equates two very different things. Maybe this is just version one and I still like the sentiment, but for all its merits, I think it deserves a slightly better execution.
Sam, you have a good point. While writers and artists may have a more nuanced definition of the words graffiti and vandalism, we knew when we put a sign in a place like Union Square that we were speaking to a broader audience – not to mention using four words and less. You and I may think of graffiti as any number of things, including an art form or passionate attempts to actively participate in public spaces dominated by commercial advertising, but unfortunately, as a great writer once said, “All [they] see is… crime in the streets.” Perhaps another campaign could work to better educate a public that equates garffiti with vandalism.
This is version one of this project and there are more sign ideas bouncing around in our heads. But more importantly, we don’t need to be the ones to put the message out. These are inexpensive, open source tools. Each sheet of foam core cost less than ten dollars (and you could use cheaper materials). Essentially, for $30, a couple compact digital cameras set on video mode, an orange vest, and some time we were able to reach thousands of people. We sincerely hope more people take this project, improve on it, ane get it out into the world.
This is great!
[…] Rocketboom has a great video clip from graffiti research lab, eyebeam and the anti-advertising agency on nyc’s graffiti problem inspired by jo lee’s abstractor tv. Watch it, wonder, and get inspired! I never thought about advertising this way, but this video changed made be realize the obvious. […]
Light Criticism
This clip by the Anti-Advertising Agency with Graffiti Research Lab cracked me up. If folks don’t want to listen to your story, they certainly won’t tell it to others, so it’s time to reinvent yourself. You don’t want to be …
[…] A new project by the Anti-Advertising Agency with Graffiti Research Lab: Advertising is the vandalism of the Fortune 500. […]
Very nice work guys, keep it up! Respect from Hungary.
[…] You may have heard about the most recent terror attacks in Boston. This is NOT the work of the Graffiti Research Lab. We just downloaded this link from youtube. It’s Just more mindless corporate vandalism from a guerilla marketer who got busted. Interference Inc, welcome to the world of being misunderstood, scapegoated, demonized and wanted by the law. Still want to be a graffiti artist? […]
Great work. Harmless yet sends the right message. I’m interested to see what you guys do next. Make it huge :D
Absolutely fucking brilliant! This absolutely made my night (and I was having a bad one)
[…] Which brings us to the point of advertising vs. grafitti, vandalism vs. art vs. commerce. And rather than try to pontificate on that issue, I’ll just point you towards this video on the subject by GRL and comrades the Anti-Advertising Agency. […]
[…] The Anti-Advertising Agency correctly states that “advertising is the graffiti of the Fortune 500” and arresting someone for throwing light on a building, much less using such brash words as “terrorism” to describe it, leave me feeling very afraid for both our values and our collective Spidey Sense in this country. advertising graffiti law pr terrorism del.icio.us this | digg this | technorati this | trackback–> […]
[…] ??: Graffiti Research Lab???????????-Anti-Advertisting Agency?????????????????????????????????????????????!!????????Advertising = Graffiti!! […]
Traduce by yourself !
Mon dieu, vous etes trop des vandals avec vos cartons découpés et vos bouts de scotchs !!!
Juste expliquez moi un truc, que viens faire le graffiti la dedans ? Depuis quand le graffiti est il synonyme de publicité ? Et donc cette polution visuelle selon vos propos s’apparente à la polution du graffiti, mais en vrai… Quel réflexion digne d’une agence anti-pub !! On sent l’engagement transpiré dans vos chaussettes !
Je ne vous salue pas, bande de buzzeurs.
sur le principe le concept est bon, mais l’application bouuuuuuuh !!
trop cheum
Why do you keeping posting the same article, I mean graffiti ad
on Newstoday? It is getting really old, it is the “same difference”
as advertising! Get real job, stop complaining, get a life!
Your organization is the true vandal here.
BTW- Good concept, the video sucks and poor execution.
Must be high school drop-outs, unable to get real design jobs!
The question underlying all this (with this:scope specifying all visible information in /world/space/public): what should we be looking at?
Case in point: in a world of GPS-based navigation, are freeway signs visual blight?
Traduce by yourself !
I can translate for you all:
Mon dieu, vous etes trop des vandals avec vos cartons découpés et vos bouts de scotchs !!!
My God, what vandals you are with your stencils and pieces of tape!!!
Juste expliquez moi un truc, que viens faire le graffiti la dedans ? Depuis quand le graffiti est il synonyme de publicité ?
Just explain something to me, what does graffiti have to do with it? Since when is graffiti synonymous with advertising?
Et donc cette polution visuelle selon vos propos s’apparente à la polution du graffiti, mais en vrai…
And so this visual pollution according to what you say is connected to graffiti’s pollution, but for real….
Quel réflexion digne d’une agence anti-pub !! On sent l’engagement transpiré dans vos chaussettes !
Such an honorable concept from an anti-advertising agency no less! We can see the hard work by the sweat of your brow (literally – transpiring in your socks)
Je ne vous salue pas, bande de buzzeurs.
I don’t salute you, band of zappers (buzzeurs is actually a nintendo game in France)
sur le principe le concept est bon, mais l’application bouuuuuuuh !!
trop cheum
In principal the concept is good, but its application blaaaahhhhh !! not pretty cheum is a slang word
Hope this helps.
instead of complaining about what they have done, why don’t you come up with some solutions,
here’s a definition of graffiti you might understand:
Les graffiti existent depuis des époques reculées, dont certains exemples remontent à la Grèce antique ainsi qu’à l’Empire romain[1] et peut aller de simple marques de griffures à des peintures de murs élaborées. Dans les temps modernes, la peinture aérosol et les marqueurs sont devenus les outils les plus utilisés. Dans la plupart des pays, dégrader une propriété avec un graffiti sans le consentement de son propriétaire est considéré comme du vandalisme, lequel est punissable par la loi. Parfois, le graffiti est employé pour communiquer un message politique et social. Il existe de nombreux caractères et styles de graffiti ; cette forme d’art évoluant rapidement.
alors si tu n’as pas remarqué le message qu’ils envoient c’est qu’on est envahit par la pub, la publicité : La majorité des auteurs rapprochent ou assimilent la publicité à un phénomène de propagande(message social) propre aux sociétés contemporaines. Au sein de la société, elle augmente les échanges et accélère la diffusion des nouveaux produits ou des innovations technologiques et elle représente un poids économique très important.
alors fuck you t’as pas de culture tu fais semblant d’etre choqué en manque de connaisssance de cause…pauvre type ouvre toi les yeux
[…] You may have heard about the most recent terror attacks in Boston. This is NOT the work of the Graffiti Research Lab. We just downloaded this link from youtube. It’s Just more mindless corporate vandalism from a guerilla marketer who got busted. Interference Inc, welcome to the world of being misunderstood, scapegoated, demonized and wanted by the law. Still wanna be a graffiti artist? […]
[…] “Advertising is the vandalism of the Fortune 500.” –Ratatatmusic […]
[…] You may have heard about the most recent terror attacks in Boston. This is NOT the work of the Graffiti Research Lab. We just downloaded this link from youtube. It’s Just more mindless corporate vandalism from a guerilla marketer who got busted. Interference Inc, welcome to the world of being misunderstood, scapegoated, demonized and wanted by the law. Still want to be a graffiti artist? via BoingBoing Field under:boston LED terrorism terrorism terrorism attack […]
the older i get the less i want to work with cans….you just get fucked more and more each year haha
this shit is so awesome….what are they gonna say? you destroyed the plasma screens with tape and cardboard???
and the whole boston scandle! fucking awesome.i wish i got one of those signs…
[…] […]
[…] I just happen to find find light criticism (brought to you by The Anti-Advertising Agency and Graffiti Research Lab makes for some mighty fine street art, and I hope I get to see it live and in person some fine night. We’ll leave it at that: […]
[…] Light Criticism (with AAA) […]
[…] I watched Light Criticism this morning using Democracy this morning. Wonderful piece. […]
Specifically, the track is “El Pico,” by Ratatat, on the CD “Ratatat.” Awesome stuff.
Very cool video as well.
[…] UPDATE: In the time after I wrote this, all hell broke loose in Boston when someone actually noticed the blinking LED signs advertising the upcoming Aqua Teen movie, and the Anti-Advertising Agency teamed up with Graffiti Research Lab to subvert outdoor light-based ads with custom-made foamcore masks/friskets. Subtractive light graffiti? […]
[…] In New York City, every fleeting moment of inspiration is paid back in soot and grime. Sometimes the soot and grime become the inspiration themselves. More often, they crowd in from the sidelines — observed but not forgotten in the multitude of things that clamor for attention. It is said that the city dweller is exposed to an average of 5000 advertisiments in a given day. Only a few of those things will be as compelling as a broken toilet flung onto the street. […]
[…] In New York City, every fleeting moment of inspiration is paid back in soot and grime. Sometimes the soot and grime become the inspiration themselves. More often, they crowd in from the sidelines — observed but not forgotten in the multitude of things that clamor for attention. It is said that the city dweller is exposed to an average of 5000 advertisiments in a given day. Only a few of those things will be as compelling as a broken toilet flung onto the street. […]
[…] Light Criticism […]
[…] This is a poignant video from the Anti-Advertising Agency. As soon as I get the plugin installed, I’ll embed the video in the post. […]
[…] This is the first collaboration between the Anti-Advertising Agency and Graffiti Research Lab. Modified from Ji Lee’s Abstractor TV. We used black foam core ($10/sheet) cut with a laser cutter – however, this project can be done with an x-acto blade, black construction paper, and duct tape for next to nothing. It can be repeated using any backlit display – bus shelters, display ads, television store windows… dream big, act now. more… […]
[…] Das wirkliche Graffitiproblem: “Werbung ist Vandalismus der oberen Fünfhundert” sagt die Anti-Advertising-Company und startet in Cooperation mit GRL eine nette Aktion in New York. Seht selbst […]
hi, i think what you are doing is fantastic. i support you %100. I am a lighting director at a local rock venue in michigan. i live in a town full of sheep and i want to wake these fuckers up. how do i get involved?
have ever considered making a clothing line with you theories and ideas on them with pictures of your work and designs on them and other little stuff. Let me know what you think.
[…] Voilà, a pretty cool way to protest. […]
I’m in shanghai (it is a city of china), your technology is very good
i’m very like studing for you ,can you help me ?my email: wg.43@126.com
Advertising and graffiti can be both ugly, beautiful and everything in between. But that is not the point here. Art is not about making pretty things to look at, its about a reflection of society, us and the world we live in. Here this project is outstanding, communicating why/how graffiti is art, reflecting the ever increasing branding going on in our public space.
This is awesome! …awesome!!!
[…] Thus when I discovered this project by the Anti Advertising Agency and the inventor of throwies Graffiti Research Labs my idea was resolute (the Ratatat probably got the creative juices flowing). The television pictured here plays a video of my brother watching television only lit by its occasionally blinking stare. I put the camera in front of the screen so it looks like he is staring back out at us, from behind the stencil that as as a screen between us and him, blocking televisions message and replacing it with my own. Its like interior culture jamming. […]
[…] Our posting of the Light Criticism piece last week was fortunate in its timing to say the least. Is there now any doubt that advertising has become the vandalism of the Fortune 500? Each week it becomes more clear in the media that advertising is using illegal methods, yet the fines and arrests remain disproportionately on graffiti writers and activists. We hope more people will see the hypocrisy of arresting, jailing, and fining individual expression of people like BORF, countless street artists, RNC protesters, and cyclists from critical mass, when there has still been zero jail time for CEOs of advertising and marketing firms that knowingly and repeatedly break the law promoting corporate products. Once every permit is approved with the city, and every advertising regulation is being adhered to, when all the corporate graffiti is gone, then begin to go after the individuals. […]
[…] A poignant video from the Anti-Advertising Agency. […]
[…] “Light Criticism”, Graffiti Research Lab / Anti-Advertising Agency, 2006 […]
[…] Pixelator: Battling boring light criticism. –> […]
[…] se asocian a esta iniciativa otras como Abtractor, Tv Filter y Light Criticism Todas con un contenido social que busca levantar la mano sobre la sobrepoblacion de publicidad en espacios públicos, sin duda interesante. Posteado por MAD en Actualidad, publicidad | (Sin votos) Loading … […]
[…] se asocian a esta iniciativa otras como Abtractor, Tv Filter y Light Criticism Todas con un contenido social que busca levantar la mano sobre la sobrepoblacion de publicidad en espacios públicos, sin duda interesante. Posteado por MAD en Actualidad, publicidad | (Sin votos) Loading … […]
[…] Détournement des écrans de publicités à New York pour transformer les pubs videos en art : Pixelator. Voir aussi : Abstractor (par celui qui avait déjà lancé The Bubble Project) et Light Criticism. (via) Classé dans Mini-Posts, Liens par Mr Peer le Mercredi 4 avril 2007 à 11:29. […]
[…] I personally find this more interesting, more appealing, and more subtly subversive than the last Anti-Advertising Agency “Light Criticism” project, which was interesting, but a bit blatant and direct, which seemed to decrease the thought involved. This Pixelator actually makes you think. which I’m always up for. […]
[…] Artist Jasom Eppink has built on our project, Light Criticism (and others), with his own invention – the Pixelator. C’mon folks, let’s keep this going – build on it! URL: Pixelator Posted by Trick Filed in Uncategorized, Art & Design […]
Hi there,
I am doing a presentation on graffiti and advertising in my psych. of communications course this Thursday. This clip is great and would make a great supplemental statement to my presentation. I was wondering if perhaps you could send me the file b/c we don’t have internet access in the classroom and the only way I could play it would be off of my laptop. I don’t have QuickTime pro nor anm I super computer savvy with this sort of thing so I don’t think I can just save it to my computer, and plus, I’d like to ask for your permission to use it. I would give full credit to the creators and it would really mean a lot to me.
Thx
Meg
[…] The Light Criticism Project by the Anti-Advertising Agency and the Graffiti Research Lab is not very recent, but fits perfect: “We used black foam core ($10/sheet) cut with a laser cutter – but this project can be done with an x-acto blade, black paper, and duct tape. It can be repeated using any backlit display – bus shelters, display ads or television store windows.” posted in: art, advertising, urban, display | comments: –> […]
[…] I think I posted this “light criticism” project a while back from the Anti-Advertising Agency, about “New York’s True Graffiti Problem”. […]
[…] Artist Jasom Eppink has built on our project, Light Criticism (and others), with his own invention – the Pixelator. C’mon folks, let’s keep this going – build on it! […]
Jason Eppink: The Pixelator
http://www.jasoneppink.com/pixelator/
[…] Light Criticism […]
Don’t you think it’s a little ironic that you all are putting up cut-outs as part of a project sponsored by that bored heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune, a company which number 36 on the Fortune 500 and has PLENTY of advertising out there??
[…] Light Criticism (from Consumerist) – This is the first collaboration between the Anti-Advertising Agency and Graffiti Research Lab. Modified from Ji Lee’s Abstractor TV. We used black foam core ($10/sheet) cut with a laser cutter – however, this project can be done with an x-acto blade, black construction paper, and duct tape for next to nothing. It can be repeated using any backlit display – bus shelters, display ads, television store windows… dream big, act now. NYC’s TRUE GRAFFITI PROBLEM Watch the video here. […]
[…] Voor een lichtbak geldt hetzelfde als voor de verboden straatkunst: er wordt visueel beslag gelegd op het publieke domein. Er is echter een verschil: lichtbakken zijn aan eigen eigendom bevestigd zijn en dienen een economisch in plaats van een cultureel doel. Volgens het New Yorkse straatkunstcollectief Graffiti Research Lab vormt lichtreclame het eigenlijke graffitiprobleem van de Big Apple. In termen van beeldvervuiling werpen de economische boodschappen een veel grotere schaduw op het openbare domein dan de culturele grapjes die de straatkunstenaars aan de openbare ruimte meegeven. Een lichtbak mag dan op of aan eigen eigendom bevestigd zijn, het beïnvloedt net zo goed het aangezicht van de openbare ruimte. […]
[…] from Abstractor.tv Related: Graffiti Research Lab’s & Anti-Advertising Agency’s Light Criticism, and a product (”Pixelvision”?) made of a grid of milky-translucent plastic boxes that affixes to a TV screen by suction cups and renders the TV image into a 4×3 that used to be sold at the Future Perfect in Brooklyn. And that somehow, despite the wonderfulness of Google, I can’t seem to find right now. […]
brilliant!!
[…] http://antiadvertisingagency.com/projects/light-criticism/ […]
[…] someone actually noticed the blinking LED signs advertising the upcoming Aqua Teen movie, and the Anti-Advertising Agency teamed up with Graffiti Research Lab to subvert outdoor light-based ads with custom-made foamcore masks/friskets. Subtractive light […]
you guys do great work.
i hope to see more crimes of great art out there.
im going to NYC after thanksgiving and i am wishing that i will see some of your guys’s art up there by the way i live in San Diego
[…] Visit the Anti-Advertising Agency […]
[…] is the vandalism of the Fortune 500.Light Criticism is the first collaboration between the Anti-Advertising Agency and Graffiti Research […]
badass
[…] Agency vor nicht allzu langer Zeit eine sehr schöne Aktion in New York organisiert – Light Criticism. Anlass war die ungerechte Handhabe der ansässigen Streetartszene im Gegensatz zu bespielsweise […]
Purely innovative and ingenius. Brilliant work, guys. I wonder if you can contrapt something that wraps around a street light and spins naturally with the wind, producing a disco ball effect.
Can you imagine driving down that street? :P
[…] Light Criticism by Graffiti Research Lab and Anti-Advertising Agency […]
[…] artists. The Anti-Advertising Agency, along with Graffiti Research Lab, recently carried out a brilliant campaign calling attention to the advertising infestation in NYC. The AAA and GRL want city dwellers to be aware that, while graffiti artists go to jail every day […]
[…] artists. The Anti-Advertising Agency, along with Graffiti Research Lab, recently carried out a brilliant campaign calling attention to the advertising infestation in NYC. The AAA and GRL want city dwellers to be aware that, while graffiti artists go to jail every day […]
[…] artists. The Anti-Advertising Agency, along with Graffiti Research Lab, recently carried out a brilliant campaign calling attention to the advertising infestation in NYC. The AAA and GRL want city dwellers to be aware that, while graffiti artists go to jail every day […]
[…] Versus Ads Jump to Comments I love the guerilla messaging being carried out in NYC by the Anti-Advertising Agency and Graffiti Research Lab and reported on their […]
It’s an great video.
is it on youtube so I can send just the video to people?
This stuff is FAN FUCKING TASTIC!!! I’d love to get in on something like this down in Nashville. We’re (family and some friends) are working on the Laser Tag system from GRL, and want to branch out and find more ways to wake people up from this mess, other than putting them in awe at tagging a building with a laser. But yeah, to be to the point, you guys executed this perfectly…and there’s really nothing that NYC can do, because all you technically doing is “advertising against graffiti”
you guys are brilliant
[…] and the Anti-Advertisement Agency teamed up to subvert big-screen-TV ads at NYC subway stations: Light Criticism. By putting a laser-cut foam stencil over the still-running TV screen, they transformed the […]
Wow I’m really impressed and inspired. Personally I’m not bothered about the fact that this work might (possibly) reflect badly on the public’s opinion of graffiti, i think its message and its beautiful execution are far more important.
[…] Research Lab (co-founder) - Light Criticism (w/ Steve Lambert, the Anti-Advertising Agency, and the G.R.L.) - Public Domain Donar - Skymall […]
[…] (street installations) FilthyLuker and Pedro Estrellas (Maisson Pain) ANTIADVERTISINGAGENCY (light criticism) Jason Eppink (pixelator) Kelly Goeller (Pixel Pour) Florentijn Hofman (Canard de bain) Yvette […]
[…] the work of the Graffiti Research Lab. We just downloaded this link from youtube. It’s Just more mindless corporate vandalism from a guerilla marketer who got busted. Interference Inc, welcome to […]
LMAO @ Paul
Whats really ironic is people like you using the word irony, incorrectly.
Pick up a fucking dictionary sometime.
[…] that are honest in selling their products even if they are the few. On top of that, the Anti-Advertising Agency goes so far as to say that advertising is vandalism. In fact, advertising has gotten so […]
I find it all a bit spineless and kind of a ridiculous game you are playing. What you are doing is in fact the very worst example of what your are rallying against. I agree that the wanton, unlicensed posting of bills throughout Manhattan creates an eyesore and this lawlessness should be enforced. But the video panels you chose to attack because they made good backlight for your own vandalism are licensed owned and the advertisers whose messages you chose to cover up paid for that space and time.
This is capatalism and here is how it works since you obviously don’t get it.
Companies advertise their products or services to as broad an audience as they can. This audience then spends their money on those products or services. The companies profit, they hire all of us so we can earn a living.
They pay taxes so we can have paved streets, police coverage, fire protection and emergency medical service.
Would you rather your employer not make a profit and have to lay you off?
Admit it… you’re just playing a kids game and getting some much needed attention.
I hope that your worldview will be duly challenged.
[…] links: graffiti research lab, eyebeam and the anti-advertising agency on nyc’s graffiti problem inspired by jo lee’s abstractor tv, original video by steve […]
[…] http://antiadvertisingagency.com/projects/light-criticism […]
[…] Light Criticism is a series of overlays on backlit advertising displays. […]
[…] Yoga Ad, Kill Bill ad, Ballet school ad, Butt Jobs ad, 40 Advertisements that Grab your Attention, Light Criticism by Steve Lambert, Light Criticism on Rocketboom, The Bubble Project, The Bubble Project on Rocketboom, Banksy, […]
this is the greatest comment right here: Advertising is the vandalism of the Fortune 500.
Nice work, creative idea’s …it’s all appriciated :-)
I was in O’Hare airport in Chicago recently. I went into a bathroom and washed my hands. As I did so the mirror turned into a large screen and bombarded me with images. I was so taken aback that I do not remember the product that was advertised, but got out of the bathroom as quickly as possible. If I did remember I would make sure never to buy the product. It was extraordinarily invasive.
great project!! i love the idea that you guys are doing..
I love this. I’ve done similar things myself. That being said i do that it’s a little funny how you say Advertising = Graffiti and then you have your own logos on it.
attribution ≠advertising.
With font is used ? I’ve been looking for it everywere, but can’t find it !
it’s a modified Rockwell.
Don’t you love how all of us are smarter than consumer America! When those sheep look out at this world, they are bombarded with messages that force them to buy things they don’t need, but they are too stupid to tell that they are looking at ads. We, on the other hand, can see behind the curtain, so we don’t buy into any dogma that can be written in 140 characters or less. I’m so glad that I don’t consume anything, and that I am smart enough to not get brainwashed like everybody else.
I was thinking, wow, this dude really understand me. Then I realized you were being ironic. Then I it dawned on me that my whole life is a sham. What right do I have to criticize anything when I live in the United States of America in 2011 and I buy things? For the rest of the night I will try to figure out a place where I can go that has no consumerism so that I can finally speak critically from a place of integrity.
See you there,
Steve
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[…] click: Anti-Advertising Agency […]
[…] http://antiadvertisingagency.com/projects/light-criticism/ […]
[…] Two admirable organizations, The Anti-Advertising Agency and Graffiti Research Lab have just collaborated on a nicely executed piece of activism. New York City has recently installed flat-screen video billboards on the sidewalk, and well, somebody had to say something. The idea began with Ji Lee’s Abstractor and has evolved to this. […]
[…] Read more here (via The Anti-Advertising Agency) to learn how graffiti artists are reclaiming public space and turning commercialism into art. […]
[…] En av de bästa vloggarna jag vet är Rocketboom. Har följt det över ett år nu, och dess dagliga dos gör mig uppåt. Kvalitetsstämpeln har sagt sitt. Joanne har alltid den perfekta sammanfattningen av vad som händer där ute, om det så gäller konst, miljö, techytech eller humor. Rekomenderas, och finns i alla möjliga format för alla möjliga spelare. Dagens avsnitt här presenterade följande fenomen till de ljuva tonerna av Ratatat: […]
[…] Rocketboom has a great video clip from graffiti research lab, eyebeam and the anti-advertising agency on nyc’s graffiti problem inspired by jo lee’s abstractor tv. Watch it, wonder, and get inspired! I never thought about advertising this way, but this video changed made be realize the obvious. […]
Light Criticism
This clip by the Anti-Advertising Agency with Graffiti Research Lab cracked me up. If folks don’t want to listen to your story, they certainly won’t tell it to others, so it’s time to reinvent yourself. You don’t want to be …
[…] A new project by the Anti-Advertising Agency with Graffiti Research Lab: Advertising is the vandalism of the Fortune 500. […]
[…] You may have heard about the most recent terror attacks in Boston. This is NOT the work of the Graffiti Research Lab. We just downloaded this link from youtube. It’s Just more mindless corporate vandalism from a guerilla marketer who got busted. Interference Inc, welcome to the world of being misunderstood, scapegoated, demonized and wanted by the law. Still want to be a graffiti artist? […]
[…] Which brings us to the point of advertising vs. grafitti, vandalism vs. art vs. commerce. And rather than try to pontificate on that issue, I’ll just point you towards this video on the subject by GRL and comrades the Anti-Advertising Agency. […]
[…] The Anti-Advertising Agency correctly states that “advertising is the graffiti of the Fortune 500” and arresting someone for throwing light on a building, much less using such brash words as “terrorism” to describe it, leave me feeling very afraid for both our values and our collective Spidey Sense in this country. advertising graffiti law pr terrorism del.icio.us this | digg this | technorati this | trackback–> […]
[…] ??: Graffiti Research Lab???????????-Anti-Advertisting Agency?????????????????????????????????????????????!!????????Advertising = Graffiti!! […]
[…] You may have heard about the most recent terror attacks in Boston. This is NOT the work of the Graffiti Research Lab. We just downloaded this link from youtube. It’s Just more mindless corporate vandalism from a guerilla marketer who got busted. Interference Inc, welcome to the world of being misunderstood, scapegoated, demonized and wanted by the law. Still wanna be a graffiti artist? […]
[…] “Advertising is the vandalism of the Fortune 500.” –Ratatatmusic […]
[…] You may have heard about the most recent terror attacks in Boston. This is NOT the work of the Graffiti Research Lab. We just downloaded this link from youtube. It’s Just more mindless corporate vandalism from a guerilla marketer who got busted. Interference Inc, welcome to the world of being misunderstood, scapegoated, demonized and wanted by the law. Still want to be a graffiti artist? via BoingBoing Field under:boston LED terrorism terrorism terrorism attack […]
[…] […]
[…] I just happen to find find light criticism (brought to you by The Anti-Advertising Agency and Graffiti Research Lab makes for some mighty fine street art, and I hope I get to see it live and in person some fine night. We’ll leave it at that: […]
[…] Light Criticism (with AAA) […]
[…] I watched Light Criticism this morning using Democracy this morning. Wonderful piece. […]
[…] UPDATE: In the time after I wrote this, all hell broke loose in Boston when someone actually noticed the blinking LED signs advertising the upcoming Aqua Teen movie, and the Anti-Advertising Agency teamed up with Graffiti Research Lab to subvert outdoor light-based ads with custom-made foamcore masks/friskets. Subtractive light graffiti? […]
[…] In New York City, every fleeting moment of inspiration is paid back in soot and grime. Sometimes the soot and grime become the inspiration themselves. More often, they crowd in from the sidelines — observed but not forgotten in the multitude of things that clamor for attention. It is said that the city dweller is exposed to an average of 5000 advertisiments in a given day. Only a few of those things will be as compelling as a broken toilet flung onto the street. […]
[…] In New York City, every fleeting moment of inspiration is paid back in soot and grime. Sometimes the soot and grime become the inspiration themselves. More often, they crowd in from the sidelines — observed but not forgotten in the multitude of things that clamor for attention. It is said that the city dweller is exposed to an average of 5000 advertisiments in a given day. Only a few of those things will be as compelling as a broken toilet flung onto the street. […]
[…] Light Criticism […]
[…] This is a poignant video from the Anti-Advertising Agency. As soon as I get the plugin installed, I’ll embed the video in the post. […]
[…] This is the first collaboration between the Anti-Advertising Agency and Graffiti Research Lab. Modified from Ji Lee’s Abstractor TV. We used black foam core ($10/sheet) cut with a laser cutter – however, this project can be done with an x-acto blade, black construction paper, and duct tape for next to nothing. It can be repeated using any backlit display – bus shelters, display ads, television store windows… dream big, act now. more… […]
[…] Das wirkliche Graffitiproblem: “Werbung ist Vandalismus der oberen Fünfhundert” sagt die Anti-Advertising-Company und startet in Cooperation mit GRL eine nette Aktion in New York. Seht selbst […]
[…] Voilà, a pretty cool way to protest. […]
[…] Thus when I discovered this project by the Anti Advertising Agency and the inventor of throwies Graffiti Research Labs my idea was resolute (the Ratatat probably got the creative juices flowing). The television pictured here plays a video of my brother watching television only lit by its occasionally blinking stare. I put the camera in front of the screen so it looks like he is staring back out at us, from behind the stencil that as as a screen between us and him, blocking televisions message and replacing it with my own. Its like interior culture jamming. […]
[…] Our posting of the Light Criticism piece last week was fortunate in its timing to say the least. Is there now any doubt that advertising has become the vandalism of the Fortune 500? Each week it becomes more clear in the media that advertising is using illegal methods, yet the fines and arrests remain disproportionately on graffiti writers and activists. We hope more people will see the hypocrisy of arresting, jailing, and fining individual expression of people like BORF, countless street artists, RNC protesters, and cyclists from critical mass, when there has still been zero jail time for CEOs of advertising and marketing firms that knowingly and repeatedly break the law promoting corporate products. Once every permit is approved with the city, and every advertising regulation is being adhered to, when all the corporate graffiti is gone, then begin to go after the individuals. […]
[…] A poignant video from the Anti-Advertising Agency. […]
[…] “Light Criticism”, Graffiti Research Lab / Anti-Advertising Agency, 2006 […]
[…] Pixelator: Battling boring light criticism. –> […]
[…] se asocian a esta iniciativa otras como Abtractor, Tv Filter y Light Criticism Todas con un contenido social que busca levantar la mano sobre la sobrepoblacion de publicidad en espacios públicos, sin duda interesante. Posteado por MAD en Actualidad, publicidad | (Sin votos) Loading … […]
[…] se asocian a esta iniciativa otras como Abtractor, Tv Filter y Light Criticism Todas con un contenido social que busca levantar la mano sobre la sobrepoblacion de publicidad en espacios públicos, sin duda interesante. Posteado por MAD en Actualidad, publicidad | (Sin votos) Loading … […]
[…] Détournement des écrans de publicités à New York pour transformer les pubs videos en art : Pixelator. Voir aussi : Abstractor (par celui qui avait déjà lancé The Bubble Project) et Light Criticism. (via) Classé dans Mini-Posts, Liens par Mr Peer le Mercredi 4 avril 2007 à 11:29. […]
[…] I personally find this more interesting, more appealing, and more subtly subversive than the last Anti-Advertising Agency “Light Criticism” project, which was interesting, but a bit blatant and direct, which seemed to decrease the thought involved. This Pixelator actually makes you think. which I’m always up for. […]
[…] Artist Jasom Eppink has built on our project, Light Criticism (and others), with his own invention – the Pixelator. C’mon folks, let’s keep this going – build on it! URL: Pixelator Posted by Trick Filed in Uncategorized, Art & Design […]
[…] The Light Criticism Project by the Anti-Advertising Agency and the Graffiti Research Lab is not very recent, but fits perfect: “We used black foam core ($10/sheet) cut with a laser cutter – but this project can be done with an x-acto blade, black paper, and duct tape. It can be repeated using any backlit display – bus shelters, display ads or television store windows.” posted in: art, advertising, urban, display | comments: –> […]
[…] I think I posted this “light criticism” project a while back from the Anti-Advertising Agency, about “New York’s True Graffiti Problem”. […]
[…] Artist Jasom Eppink has built on our project, Light Criticism (and others), with his own invention – the Pixelator. C’mon folks, let’s keep this going – build on it! […]
[…] Light Criticism […]
[…] Light Criticism (from Consumerist) – This is the first collaboration between the Anti-Advertising Agency and Graffiti Research Lab. Modified from Ji Lee’s Abstractor TV. We used black foam core ($10/sheet) cut with a laser cutter – however, this project can be done with an x-acto blade, black construction paper, and duct tape for next to nothing. It can be repeated using any backlit display – bus shelters, display ads, television store windows… dream big, act now. NYC’s TRUE GRAFFITI PROBLEM Watch the video here. […]
[…] Voor een lichtbak geldt hetzelfde als voor de verboden straatkunst: er wordt visueel beslag gelegd op het publieke domein. Er is echter een verschil: lichtbakken zijn aan eigen eigendom bevestigd zijn en dienen een economisch in plaats van een cultureel doel. Volgens het New Yorkse straatkunstcollectief Graffiti Research Lab vormt lichtreclame het eigenlijke graffitiprobleem van de Big Apple. In termen van beeldvervuiling werpen de economische boodschappen een veel grotere schaduw op het openbare domein dan de culturele grapjes die de straatkunstenaars aan de openbare ruimte meegeven. Een lichtbak mag dan op of aan eigen eigendom bevestigd zijn, het beïnvloedt net zo goed het aangezicht van de openbare ruimte. […]
[…] from Abstractor.tv Related: Graffiti Research Lab’s & Anti-Advertising Agency’s Light Criticism, and a product (”Pixelvision”?) made of a grid of milky-translucent plastic boxes that affixes to a TV screen by suction cups and renders the TV image into a 4×3 that used to be sold at the Future Perfect in Brooklyn. And that somehow, despite the wonderfulness of Google, I can’t seem to find right now. […]
[…] http://antiadvertisingagency.com/projects/light-criticism/ […]
[…] someone actually noticed the blinking LED signs advertising the upcoming Aqua Teen movie, and the Anti-Advertising Agency teamed up with Graffiti Research Lab to subvert outdoor light-based ads with custom-made foamcore masks/friskets. Subtractive light […]
[…] Visit the Anti-Advertising Agency […]
[…] is the vandalism of the Fortune 500.Light Criticism is the first collaboration between the Anti-Advertising Agency and Graffiti Research […]
[…] Agency vor nicht allzu langer Zeit eine sehr schöne Aktion in New York organisiert – Light Criticism. Anlass war die ungerechte Handhabe der ansässigen Streetartszene im Gegensatz zu bespielsweise […]
[…] Light Criticism by Graffiti Research Lab and Anti-Advertising Agency […]
[…] artists. The Anti-Advertising Agency, along with Graffiti Research Lab, recently carried out a brilliant campaign calling attention to the advertising infestation in NYC. The AAA and GRL want city dwellers to be aware that, while graffiti artists go to jail every day […]
[…] artists. The Anti-Advertising Agency, along with Graffiti Research Lab, recently carried out a brilliant campaign calling attention to the advertising infestation in NYC. The AAA and GRL want city dwellers to be aware that, while graffiti artists go to jail every day […]
[…] artists. The Anti-Advertising Agency, along with Graffiti Research Lab, recently carried out a brilliant campaign calling attention to the advertising infestation in NYC. The AAA and GRL want city dwellers to be aware that, while graffiti artists go to jail every day […]
[…] Versus Ads Jump to Comments I love the guerilla messaging being carried out in NYC by the Anti-Advertising Agency and Graffiti Research Lab and reported on their […]
[…] and the Anti-Advertisement Agency teamed up to subvert big-screen-TV ads at NYC subway stations: Light Criticism. By putting a laser-cut foam stencil over the still-running TV screen, they transformed the […]
[…] Research Lab (co-founder) - Light Criticism (w/ Steve Lambert, the Anti-Advertising Agency, and the G.R.L.) - Public Domain Donar - Skymall […]
[…] (street installations) FilthyLuker and Pedro Estrellas (Maisson Pain) ANTIADVERTISINGAGENCY (light criticism) Jason Eppink (pixelator) Kelly Goeller (Pixel Pour) Florentijn Hofman (Canard de bain) Yvette […]
[…] the work of the Graffiti Research Lab. We just downloaded this link from youtube. It’s Just more mindless corporate vandalism from a guerilla marketer who got busted. Interference Inc, welcome to […]
[…] that are honest in selling their products even if they are the few. On top of that, the Anti-Advertising Agency goes so far as to say that advertising is vandalism. In fact, advertising has gotten so […]
[…] links: graffiti research lab, eyebeam and the anti-advertising agency on nyc’s graffiti problem inspired by jo lee’s abstractor tv, original video by steve […]
[…] http://antiadvertisingagency.com/projects/light-criticism […]
[…] Light Criticism is a series of overlays on backlit advertising displays. […]
[…] Yoga Ad, Kill Bill ad, Ballet school ad, Butt Jobs ad, 40 Advertisements that Grab your Attention, Light Criticism by Steve Lambert, Light Criticism on Rocketboom, The Bubble Project, The Bubble Project on Rocketboom, Banksy, […]