All images courtesy of the artist.
No man is an island. No country by itself.What is lost is lost forever.These are just two of the many calls to action blaring in bold letters across artist Wolfang Tillmans' EU Campaign posters. The campaign was launched in nervous anticipation of the UK's impending EU referendum on June 23rd. Tillmans has open-source'd the posters, encouraging any and all to print and share the images in any way that will inspire voters, especially young voters, to register before June 7, before they miss the chance to speak up for their country and for the future of the EU.In his statement about the project, Tillmans cites the shortcomings of the UK's Remain campaign—a fact-pushing campaign to maintain the UK's EU membership—and the harsh reality of Dutch voters' recent decision to deny closer political and economic EU ties with Ukraine as clear and unavoidable signs that the UK needs to take the potential dangers of this vote seriously. If Brexit—the exit of the Britain from the EU—succeeds, Tillmans warns, it "could effectively spell the end of the EU." This would not only be a chance for the radicalized right to gain momentum throughout the continent, but it would also signify a negation of years of treaties, negotiations, and alliances.
"I feel that we have reached a critical moment that could prove to be a turning point for Europe as we know and enjoy it—one that might result in a cascade of problematic consequences and political fallout," Tillmans writes on the project's page. "[The EU is] a flawed and problematic institution, but on the whole it stands for a democratic worldview, human rights and favours cooperation over confrontation.""Let's hope for the best," concludes the artist, "but hope may note be enough."
The final day to register to vote for UK voters is June 7, the referendum is on June 23. Find out more about Wolfgang Tillmans' EU Campaign, and download the campaign posters, on the artist's website.Related:7 Must-See Shows at Berlin Gallery WeekendHow Artists Are Addressing the Syrian Refugee CrisisInternational Art Posters Remember Mexico’s Missing Students
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