PASTE UP artwork in order by Aida Azin, Lara Chamas and Mohamed Chamas, and Coffinbirth x this mob all photography courtesy of Anne Moffat
As we emerge out of lockdowns, reconnecting and care has never been more important for our communities.
Artists Lara and Mohamed Chamas, Aida Azin and Coffin Birth x this mob each designed a street poster that speaks to the importance of vaccinations, coming together to support each other and making sure the most vulnerable in our communities are not left behind.
The posters can be found in and around the North and West of Melbourne from 22 November till 24 December.
This project is supported by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. Special thanks to Hours After and Plakkit.
Follow the artists on Instagram here:
National handling of this virus has been dismal, particularly to migrant, ESL, international, and refugee populations. The importance of community care has never been so clear, I’m glad I could be part of some positive messaging. The design is based on the favoured brand of bread we grew up eating, it reminds me of my parents who I didn’t see for the longest time in my life during this pandemic. In many ways this was for them, and all the parents who left their homes to protect their children. Now it’s up to us to keep them safe too.
– Lara Chamas
Bread is something quite important for any family meal; it’s sometimes the primary eating utensil. Sharing a meal together is something quite important and intimate to a lot of the Victorian diaspora/migrant communities. The design references that bread we grew up buying in bulk; freezing 2-3 spare bags for later. I have memories of passing over the bread bag, or splitting a piece of flatbread with another family member. While thinking of our poster, I took the packaging out of the freezer and handed it to Lara, and it instantly felt so right to be referencing that design. It’s quite an unsuspecting representation of bringing communities together, I think the design is quite noticeable (or at least makes you do a double take) for that reason. It touches on those particular, intimate 3rd culture memories that have probably come up for many of us in the last two years. The Qur’an quote encourages us to remember that – pandemic or not – our actions and decisions have ripples in our wider communities. Caring for yourself and ensuring your protection is simultaneously care and protection for others. That idea, which could be considered spiritual, is really pertinent right now.
– Mohamed Chamas
I want all my mates and family to know how much I appreciate the small gestures toward keeping contact through lockdown. It was those constant check in’s that helped me survive. Just because lockdowns are over doesn’t mean we have to stop looking after each other and ourselves!
– Aida Azin