arthur analts' inflating and deflating balloon sculpture reflects on black lives matter

‘the oppressed’ is a moving sculpture by london-based artist and designer, arthur analts. created in response to black lives matter, the artwork visually and succinctly expresses the ongoing struggle of the international civil rights movement.

main video and images courtesy of arthur analts

this kinetic sculpture forms part of ‘the breathing series’ by arthur analts, which seeks to address serious issues in an artistic and colorful way. for this specific piece, the artist has enclosed 12 balloons inside a glass-topped box. all white apart from one, the balloons slowly inflate until there is no more space inside, leaving the single black balloon, which is smaller in size, to become engulfed in white. 

the inflating and deflating balloons intend to symbolize the ongoing struggle of people suffering under oppressive regimes across the world. the work is currently on view at zuzeum art centre in riga, latvia.

project info:

project name: the oppressed
artist: arthur analts

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