‘Burma’ Takes to the Streets

Harry Pearce’s Burma poster has been adopted as a placard by activists in the recent international street protests against the current situation in the country.

The poster, designed in 2006 for an event organised by the New York-based charity Witness to raise awareness about human rights violations in Burma, has been appearing in news footage of the protests held in cities from Bangkok to New York.

Witness was founded in 1992 by the Musician and activist Peter Gabriel and the Reebok Human Rights Foundation. It is an independent, nonprofit organisation that works with various partner organisations to use video and online technologies to open the eyes of the world to human rights violations. Pearce is a passionate supporter of Witness’ work and sits on their advisory board. He has been providing design services to the organisation on a pro-bono basis for the past twelve years.

Pearce’s Burma Poster is available to buy from Witness’ online shop.

Previous design work for Witness includes their annual reviews, print, packaging and website, as well as undertaking an evolution of their identity. Harry Pearce’s work for Witness is created with designer Richard Wilson.

Digital video stills kindly provided by Witness. Product photography by Richard Foster and Nick Turner.