The art of making a political statement

A poster exhibition in the University of Ulster in Derry showcases graphic art related to human rights and worldwide injustice, writes Jane Coyle

AN INTERNATIONAL poster exhibition comprising 100 images relating to human rights and injustice is on show at the University of Ulster’s Magee campus in Derry. Its opening coincided with simultaneous openings at galleries and cultural centres in 23 cities including Barcelona, Beirut, Milan, Brussels, Rio de Janiero, Vienna and Los Angeles.

The Poster4Tomorrow exhibition marks the 61st anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is a considerable coup for the university. It emanated from the work of graphic design graduate, Chris Scott, one of whose final-year pieces was among 100 winners of a competition in Milan earlier this year.

He suggested the university as a possible venue and Justin Magee, a senior lecturer in product design, took it from there.

“We were delighted to be invited to represent Ireland in this global event, which underlines how the pen is mightier than the sword and that graphic images can and do play an important part in raising political and social awareness,” says Magee.

“Over the years, designers have used the poster as a way of airing their views on world issues, from exposing human rights abuses to criticism of government policies. The exhibition aims to encourage people to stand together against injustice across the world.

“The other venues are in big, iconic cities and it is sometimes easy to forget that Derry is an iconic city, too. It has a rich cultural heritage, with a long tradition of challenging public art and a strong social and political agenda.

“This is also an opportunity to show how our students are given opportunities to engage with the wider arts-based industry across the world.”

The exhibition will run in the Foyle Arts Building and Magee Library at University of Ulster Derry until Jan 8, 2010.