Check out this cool Delete Key billboard by artist Ji Lee.
The Delete Key billboard was part of the NYSAT (New York Street Advertising Takeover) on April the 25 in New York, when a bunch of artists decided to get rid of 126 illegal billboards and replace them with their own art.
The Concept Behind the Delete Key Billboard
The Delete Key billboard, created by artist Ji Lee, is a striking piece of urban art that symbolizes the desire to erase the overwhelming presence of commercial advertising in public spaces. By transforming a billboard into a giant delete key, Lee cleverly comments on the pervasive nature of advertisements and the need for public spaces to be reclaimed for artistic and communal purposes. This piece was part of a larger movement, the NYSAT, which aimed to challenge the legality and ethics of outdoor advertising.
The NYSAT Movement
The NYSAT (New York Street Advertising Takeover) was a bold initiative that took place on April 25, 2009. This event saw a collective of 80 artists come together to whitewash 126 illegal billboards across New York City. The goal was to replace these unauthorized advertisements with original artworks, thereby transforming the urban landscape into a vibrant gallery of creativity and expression. The movement was not just about beautifying the city but also about making a statement against the commercialization of public spaces.
The process began with the whitewashing of the billboards, effectively erasing the existing advertisements. This act of blanking out the billboards was symbolic in itself, representing a clean slate and the potential for new, meaningful content. Once the billboards were prepared, the artists set to work, each bringing their unique vision to life. The result was a diverse array of artworks that ranged from thought-provoking pieces to whimsical creations, all contributing to a richer urban environment.
Ji Lee’s Delete Key billboard stood out for its simplicity and powerful message. By depicting a giant delete key, Lee invited viewers to consider the impact of advertising on their daily lives and the possibility of removing it to make way for something more valuable. This piece, along with the others created during the NYSAT, sparked conversations about the role of art in public spaces and the rights of citizens to a visually pleasing environment.
The NYSAT event was not without its challenges. Organizing such a large-scale takeover required meticulous planning and coordination. The artists had to work quickly and efficiently to avoid legal repercussions, as the act of altering billboards without permission is technically illegal. Despite these obstacles, the event was a success, drawing attention to the issue of illegal advertising and the potential for art to reclaim public spaces.
The impact of the NYSAT movement extended beyond the day of the event. It inspired similar actions in other cities and contributed to ongoing discussions about the regulation of outdoor advertising. The artworks created during the takeover were documented and shared widely, reaching audiences far beyond New York City. This dissemination helped to raise awareness about the importance of public art and the need to protect public spaces from commercial exploitation.
The Delete Key billboard by Ji Lee and the broader NYSAT movement represent a significant moment in the history of urban art. They highlight the power of collective action and the potential for art to challenge and transform the status quo. By reclaiming public spaces from illegal advertising, the artists involved in NYSAT demonstrated the value of creativity and community in shaping our urban environments.
via Craziest Gadgets
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
