'stereotype inversion' uses colorful balloons to show another side of syria

in an effort to combat the negative image of syria that is shown all over the world, ALya art studio has created a mixed media artistic project entitled ‘stereotype inversion’. using a combination of photography, art installations and video art, the series intends to capture everyday syrian life and show that the country is not only a place for war, but also a place with a rich culture and hopeful future. 

all images courtesy of ALya art studio

the project by ALya uses balloons as a linking material throughout all the various outputs. the colorful objects, synonymous with joy and celebration, characterize the images and bring a sense of hopefulness. ‘stereotype inversion’ begins with photography taken in different locations. each photograph takes hours to be finished, and builds around fifty layers of photographs combined together in one final photo.

the project also includes two physical art installations using materials such as antique televisions, concrete blocks, glass box, balloons and lights. the first, entitled ‘too stereotypical boxes’ aims to counteract the  impact of negative press coverage. the objects are stacked on top of each other to make a sort of pyramid, but then brightened up with the colorful balloon intervention. the second, ‘priceless mind’, is the central art installation and comprises of a column of concrete blocks layered with books and paper magazines, which make up the base of the upper glass box. the glass box also have a light inside it beside the colored balloons, to give them lighting effects.

the project has been realized by ALya art studio with the help from some friends, using simple and trash materials. in essence, the artists strive to convey that syria is not just a country filled with demolished buildings and misery, but also somewhere for happiness, enthusiasm and creation. with ‘stereotype inversion’, they hope to dispel this globally negative perception and look to the future.

project info:

project name: ‘stereotype inversion’

type: mixed media art project

artist: ALya art studio

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom