The 99% Activists – The Illuminators

Written by: Tech Anonymous

Finally! Someone has taken the technique of media driven public consciousness to a “good” place.  Instead  of injecting our minds with only the shards of truth and information to invoke a response; these 8 individuals have proven that working together in the right ways can bring about awesome results.

The mission they have chosen to accept?

“To smash the myths of the information industry and shine a light on the urgent issues of our time”*

The tools?

High Lumen projectors paired nicely with high power video and audio projection. It’s got a “fully stocked infoshop and mini-library”* and all necessary support equipment neatly arranged in a cargo van. Power, information and mobility all wrapped into one neat little package.

It all started as a “collective political art project”* in March of 2012. A gleaming necessity to bring as much attention and information to the Occupy Wall Street movement among others was recognized. The future of these movements could not suffer the same fate as their assorted predecessors.  Since then the project has blossomed into sort of superhero status within pop culture; challenging the likes of big money and power extreme.  It adds visual pop and energy through meaningful projections onto carefully chosen backdrops such as government or “big business” buildings.  It interrupts daily life, incites conversations among strangers and may even provoke a giggle or two at times. It’s all done in good ways for good reasons.  If you’ve never seen ANY of their works here are a few links to check into. The pictures are definitely worth more than any author can describe. 

www.wojny.org

this “wheel of justice” was done in Albany NY. Using a Wii controller, you could spin the wheel and read real stories of how the NY public defense system has failed so many.

www.floodwallstreet.net 

Lower Manhattan; they were out in full glory to boost more excitement for the coming climate crisis rally

…and the list goes on.

People, places and things branded with basic facts on a large scale. What better way could there be to convert sheep into sheepdogs?

The simple idea of this project and process has even had what could be considered good side effects. The term “pirate projecting” or Guerilla projections” was seen being used by more than one person in the days since inception. “Guerilla projections” are…? There’s no real explanation for the term. Common sense from this corner of the world would say that it’s more “art projects” being done outside of The Illuminator’s schedule and location. Events like “tagging a state capitol building with a For Sale sign in Wisconsin, or throwing up a Bat Signal on the Verizon building in New York City”*. The possibilities are endless and should continue to be endless as long as the minds can keep themselves “in check”. One well-meaning individual projecting profanities could trigger a whole slew of “disorderly conduct” type prohibitions… putting the illusionists back in front.

That being said, should you consider creating your own project please keep in mind, curiosity didn’t always kill the cat but, that doesn’t mean that it can’t. There are forces in an endeavor like this that can cause damage in many different respects. The creators of the Illuminator have prpovided a “tips” page on their website. Here, a creative mind can retrieve some of the basic information to start a political art project of its own. Content design, technical nibs and power requirements are just a few of the topics the Anonymous might appreciate.

All in all, for the concept, design and inception of a method to raise awareness, incite conversation and give solidarity WITHOUT creating violence… these people deserve the ultimate high five, belly bump with fireworks blasting in the background for the great example of what we can do if we watch, listen, learn and work together. 

Links: http://theilluminator.org/