silent scream mask stands as symbol for ukraine's call for independence

silent scream mask stands as symbol for ukraine’s call for independence
all images courtesy of rouven maccario

the ogilvy & mather dusseldorf and ukraine offices have supported the peaceful protest of the euromaidan civic sector (a non-partisan grassroots movement) in the capital city of kiev by creating the ‘silent scream’ mask. the motif has became a symbol for ukraine’s call for independence and freedom of speech, and has become an integral and public part of the people’s social demonstrations. during the events of the anti-government independence square protests, people in the city sheltered their faces from debris, gas and fumes which filled the area following the hostility. the ‘silent scream’ mask has been designed to shield the citizens from the harmful toxins and airborne elements while simultaneously conveying a serious message about peace and freedom.

an illustration of an open mouth is printed onto a handkerchief cloth bearing the colors of the country’s flag: yellow and blue. the fabric is meant to wrap around a person’s face or to be tied to banners and structures throughout the urban scene. the drawn expression emits the struggle and tension evident during the politically driven protests, yet transmits the message through pacifism, not violence. hundreds of the masks have been distributed, spreading the message to a wide range of individuals throughout the city.

the mask is tied to a street pole

the fabric wraps around a person’s face, shielding them from the elements

the mask expresses the struggle in a peaceful and quiet way

protesters wear the mask as a symbol of the struggle and a hope for peace

the cloth has become an integral and public part of the people’s demonstrations

citizens holding up peace signs and wearing the ‘silent scream’ masks

tied to barbed wire

on the streets of kiev

protesters wear the face mask throughout the capital city

hundreds of masks were distributed throughout the area