The anonymous, Chicago-based artists behind
You Are Beautiful have probably been asked "How did it all begin?" for as long as the project's been around. Their four-year-old campaign has sparked global collaborations and installations in cities they've never even seen, all dealing with the same simple, yet necessary, reminder that you—whomever you are—are beautiful.
Perhaps even more important than how it began is how the project has evolved. In Chicago, the group spearheaded the creation of a mural on State Street—nine sets of letters stating "You Are Beautiful" in eight languages, with each letter created by a different local artist. Of the various collaborations, the largest to date was the You Are/I Am Postcard and Book Project, which sent 5,000 postcards and 111 books around the globe and asked participants to respond to both statements ("You are" and "I am") in the book before returning them to the sender. Most recently, the group wrapped up its 4 Years Later exhibition, chronicling the project from its inception to the present. Thanks to grants, donations and the artists' own contributions, the You Are Beautiful campaign is still going strong. The following interview was conducted anonymously via email.
Why is this important?
We believe this message is extremely important, especially in the climate of our society today. Life is extremely challenging. Whether you are dealing with major challenges or obstacles, or just stuck in the daily grind of life, we all need positive forces out there, reminding us of our worth.
Were you inspired by any artists in particular or artistic movements for the creation of You Are Beautiful?
As far as projects, Postsecret has created the ability to have anonymous emotional connection while confessing these deep-seated feelings onto postcards. Learning To Love You More is an online community in which anyone, artist or not, can participate in a long list of assignments offering a brief reprieve and tapping into your creative side.
With campaigns, Obey holds high merit. While some do not agree with the path this project has taken, Shepard Fairey was the first to create a massive global icon through street art that reached around the world. I Am Loved, has given away millions of buttons at no charge, albeit you can only pick up the pins at a particular jewelry chain. The idea of taking art out of the museums, and incorporating it into advertising space was taken on by Jenny Holzer and Barbara Krueger in the 80's. Both had a strong usage of type, with statements meant to challenge current thinking, and attempt to create change.
On the website you say, 'The reasons why street artists are doing what they are doing, in the way that they are doing, is not simply to question their surroundings; but to provide alternative perspectives, meanings, or values to those of consumerism.' Tell me how this resonates with You Are Beautiful and how this project provides alternative perspectives.
The goal of advertisements and consumerism is to solely sell you a product, and to make money. Often times ad campaigns are created to make you feel inferior, and promise you happiness if you purchase what is being presented before you. Seeing this happening, we wanted to create a level of activism, to offer an alternative perspective, to get people thinking, or even creating. We feel that life is more than just consuming.
Have you seen all of the You Are Beautiful installations? What are some of the most striking or memorable installations in your mind?
As this project has spread, and installations have popped up all over the world, we've received many photos in the mail of these installations, but have not seen them in person. The most striking series of installations were done in Pensacola, Florida, by an anonymous group. A few months after Hurricane Ivan tore through the town, over 50 large installations began popping up. The town embraced the message, and next to Chicago, is the city we receive the most mail from. It was written up in all the local papers, and even aired as a segment on the evening news.
How well known is this project in your eyes?
We think the most interesting aspect of this project is that it was created to be accessible to everyone. While many artists are involved in the project, the message is intended to span the entire human condition, not necessarily just the art community. The website gets heavy traffic, and we receive over 100 sticker requests a week from people all around the world, and in all walks of life.
Is it ever hard to you keep your own ego out of this and not get recognition for this movement that you've created?
It's not hard for us to keep our egos out of it, but we have found it extremely difficult for others to understand or respect that. Many people feel it is important to find out who is behind it, and get to the bottom of it. We fortunately all have our own solo projects, and are perfectly content to take credit for these things outside of this project.
The Guerilla Girls have a great outlook on keeping their egos out of the equation. They use dead famous female artists for pseudo-names, and wear gorilla masks during their lectures. We were a part of an arts week in Portland with them, and even talking with them after their presentation, they kept their masks on to hide their identity.
Find out how to participate in You Are Beautiful by checking out its website.
