At first, the Act of Parliament art installation could be considered the elaborate prank of a few tech savvy street artists. Turning the Gherkin Building into a lewd landmark, it plays on its phallic form. Essentially, a virtual masturbating hand has been projected onto it as a jab at London's financial sector.
Created by Shift/Delete, an art group that specializes in socially-minded outdoor installations, the Act of Parliament installation was created "to protest special treatment of the financial industry ahead of the next month’s G8 summit in Ireland," according to Fast Co. Design. Although a bit shocking, the Act of Parliament installation does bring some much needed attention to the situation. The artists state, "Parliament does nothing to challenge the bankers -- our government has been captured -- and seeks to constantly gratify the City of London whilst the rest of us have austerity imposed on us. We must release their grip."
Lewd Landmark Installations
'Act of Parliament' Explicitly Interacts with the Gherkin Building
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Street Art - The Act of Parliament installation highlights the potential of using virtual projections as a form of street art and expression.
2. Protest Art - The Act of Parliament installation demonstrates the power of art in raising awareness and protesting social issues.
3. Socially-minded Installations - Shift/Delete's Act of Parliament installation showcases the trend of creating outdoor installations that aim to provoke thought and engage with social issues.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - The Act of Parliament installation highlights opportunities for artists and designers to use their work as a means of political commentary and critique.
2. Technology and Virtual Reality - The use of virtual projections in the Act of Parliament installation hints at disruptive opportunities for the technology and virtual reality industries to redefine traditional art forms.
3. Activism and Protest - Shift/Delete's Act of Parliament installation serves as inspiration for individuals and organizations in the activism and protest space to explore creative ways of making their voices heard.