In order to raise awareness for present day genocides and human rights violations, over 250,000 people came together to create a giant installation called One Million Bones. The eerie sculpture filled up entire fields with fake bones for a chilling effect. A walkway through the center of the installation allowed visitors to witness the symbolic mass grave that pays tribute to those lost to recent atrocities.
Headed by artist Naomi Natale, the project was the result of work by thousands of artists and volunteers. People from 30 countries and every state in America collaborated to make the installation happen. Those that participated used clay, paper, plaster and other materials to shape bone-like sculptures. The resulting collection of pseudo-bones were scattered in front of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Mass Grave Installations
The One Million Bones Exhibit Transformed a Field into a Chilling Grave
Trend Themes
1. Social Activism Installations - Artistic installations used as a platform to raise awareness for social causes and injustices.
2. Participatory Art Projects - Art projects that involve large-scale collaboration and contributions from volunteers and community members.
3. Symbolic Memorials - Innovative ways to remember and pay tribute to victims of human rights violations and atrocities.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Culture - Incorporating art and culture as a means of raising public awareness and instigating change.
2. Non-profit Organizations - Partnering with non-profits to use creative methods to advocate for social causes.
3. Tourism and Destination Marketing - Incorporating meaningful and impactful art installations as part of city attractions and destination marketing.