The ecological disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is being immortalised in “Oil & Water Do Not Mix” a limited edition of original iconic works of art made using leaked BP oil harvested from the beaches of Grand Isle, Louisiana. The 200 (76.2cm x 50.8cm) signed pieces will be sold online at www.gulfofmexico2010.com and all profits will go towards funding the work of the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana in the Gulf. The creation of “Oil & Water Do Not Mix” is captured in a two minute film documentary which can be viewed on the website.
The idea was conceived far from the Gulf, in Belgium, by Happiness Brussels and designed by internationally renowned British graphic artist Anthony Burrill. The design of “Oil & Water Do Not Mix” has two distinct areas, separated by the top of an ocean wave. Above the wave are the words “Oil & Water” in the golden oil hue. Below the waterline, the words “Do Not Mix” are reversed out of the actual oil from the Gulf of Mexico signifying that even though the oil is in the water it’s not part of it and should not be there. In the lower right hand corner, the poster is sealed with an inscription that says “Gulf of Mexico 2010”.
Grégory Titeca, creative director and head of R&D at Happiness Brussels said, “Our aim is for “Oil & Water Do Not Mix” to act as an iconic reminder of our responsibilities to look after this planet and to highlight the massive ongoing clean-up and conservation tasks that lie ahead for the whole Gulf of Mexico region, both for its fragile eco-system and the livelihoods of the people who live and work there. This is not about beating up BP; this is about how we learn and move forward.”
Talking from his studio in England, artist Anthony Burrill said, ““Oil & Water Do Not Mix» is a basic and straightforward phrase but because the posters are printed in oil from the spill it has a strong resonance and importance. There is a perception among many people that the oil in the Gulf of Mexico is just going to somehow disappear and nothing could be further from the truth. For people in the Gulf, including Louisiana, the effects of this disaster will be around for a long time to come. We believe that great design can help change the world for the better and firmly hope that “Oil & Water Do Not Mix” will be a catalyst for such change.”
Amy Tyrrell, program director at the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, said, “Oil & Water Do Not Mix” is a masterstroke of purity and simplicity; deceptively simple in delivery, but simultaneously profound in meaning. Knowing that we have friends around the world will inject fresh energy into our Oil Spill Recovery program as we work tirelessly along the shores and wetlands of Louisiana to help recover from the BP oil disaster.”