I used to be the person who changed the channel the moment commercials came on. I would flip past ads in magazines without a second thought. I saw them as noise. Distractions. Just more things trying to sell me something I did not need.
But then, during a brief chapter working for a fashion and arts magazine, I was given a task that changed my perspective entirely. One of my many responsibilities was handling ad buys. At first, it was just another item on a growing to-do list. But slowly, unexpectedly, I began to pay attention.
And then I was moved.
Some of the ads stopped me in my tracks. They made me linger. They made me feel. They spoke in images more clearly than some entire articles I had just edited. I began to realize these were not just sales pitches. They were works of ART. Yes, I said ART, with intention and full chest. These were visual compositions infused with meaning. Art with purpose.
The kind of purpose that makes you stop and take notice. And honestly, what else should great art do?
It is with that spirit that I am beginning a new series called “TAKING NOTICE: THE ADS THAT SCREAM 2 ME!” (Working title, but the scream is real).
Below is the first offering in this series. These are some of my favorite selections from “The 50 Amazing Ads You Haven't Seen”, curated by MoronLand. The second to last in that collection is a haunting and powerful series of HIV and AIDS awareness ads produced by a French NGO called AIDES. For those who do not know, “aide” means “support” or “help” in French. This organization operates across more than 70 towns and villages in France and is now considered one of the most impactful HIV and AIDS NGOs in Europe.
And then, there is the ad at the very bottom of this post. It was not included in the original list, but it left me gutted. I cannot explain it fully. I only know that when I saw it, my body wanted to hurl, run, or bow. But all I could do was stare.
If you have favorites of your own or have had any visceral or memorable encounters with ads that shook you, moved you, made you think or even made you laugh unexpectedly, I welcome your submissions. I want this to be a space where the line between commerce and art is explored, examined, and maybe even celebrated.
P.S. I am still searching for the photo from the gay men’s safe sex campaign that used an aerial drawing of Manhattan reshaped to resemble a penis, with a condom draped over it. If you have it or know where I could find it, I would genuinely appreciate it. Sometimes images say what words never can.
P.S. I am still searching for the photo from the gay men’s safe sex campaign that used an aerial drawing of Manhattan reshaped to resemble a penis, with a condom draped over it. If you have it or know where I could find it, I would genuinely appreciate it. Sometimes images say what words never can.
Tampax ad. Do i really have to say more?
Post-it ad, we all have our techniques.
The full tagline reads "Gel lubricant by Durex. Enjoy the other side."
LIVE YOUR ART
I entitled this one “Play with me”
I entitled this one “Play with me 2”
This is an animal rights ad for THAT ASS! Full tagline was:
"DON'T TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU DON'T WANT TO BE TREATED"
If you wouldn't do this, then why would you...
HIV/AIDS awareness ads. Full tagline reads:
"Without a condom you’re making love with AIDS. Protect yourself."
Still freaks me out...
PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS HERE IF YOU HAVE THEM, WOULD LOVE TO READ WHAT YOU THINK.
GVG
~we're the warriors they write epics about~
~we're the warriors they write epics about~
1 comment:
Without the corporate tag line these would be considered art. Most don't see that though.
Love the seal one.
Take that baby!!!!!!!!!
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