On August 5, 2024, Bangladesh witnessed a historic revolution that led to the ousting of its government. As the nation grappled with change, its walls became canvases of resistance, filled with graffiti demanding fairness, equality, freedom, and justice. Recognizing the power of these messages, Renaissance, a legacy Bangladeshi publisher dedicated to championing freedom of expression, took on the mission of preserving and amplifying these voices.
The result was The Walls of Change, a groundbreaking book that curates the demands of the people through the lens of street art.
Renaissance undertook an ambitious journey to document, analyze, and present these expressions of public sentiment to key decision-makers. The process involved collaborating with independent photographers to document over 250,000 graffiti and wall art pieces across the nation. Through social media engagement, talk shows, and street interviews, 100 impactful artworks were shortlisted. After consultations with policymakers, legal experts, analysts, and public artists, 37 key public demands were finalized. The book was then designed, printed, and published, with copies distributed to the new government, the constitutional reform commission, political leaders, and journalists.
The book ignited online discussions, drawing widespread attention and praise. Most significantly, eight of the documented artworks directly influenced policy changes, proving the transformative power of public art in shaping governance.
The Walls of Change is an archive of a nation’s collective voice and resilience. It stands as a testament to the power of grassroots expression and serves as a reminder that art can drive change, influence policy, and reshape the future of a nation.
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