More Details in Japanese

Comment from Designer

This poster takes as its motif a single white dove. The use of a dove as a symbol for peace in antinuclear posters has become a cliché, but as a visual language common to people throughout the world it has ultimate universality. I eschewed an urbane, awkwardly witty representation, instead favoring the imposing challenge of the white dove.
In giving visual expression to the purity, serenity and resoluteness of the dove, I sought to incorporate a prayer to counter the dark side of humanity. Moreover, though this dove was drawn using a compass to form a continuous geometric circle, I had the Pigeon on a Peach Branch by Emperor Huizong (China, 1082-1135) in mind, with the goal of creating a poster imbued with oriental ideas, rather than something in the Western style. The mushroom cloud spreading across the background of the poster is a lament for Hiroshima which should be remembered and incorporates a prayer for the abolition of the atomic weapons that threaten to annihilate the human race.

Hiroshima Appeals Poster Campaign

In 1983, the Japan Graphic Designers Association Inc. (JAGDA) and the Hiroshima International Cultural Foundation announced their collaboration on a project focusing on the theme “Hiroshima’s Spirit” and launched a poster campaign with the goal of promoting peace at home and abroad. The first poster, entitled “Burning Butterflies”, was created by Yusaku Kamekura, the president of JAGDA at the time. Designers affiliated with JAGDA produce one poster each year.

Size: B1 (728 x 1,030mm)