War and Peace: A Graphic Design Masterpiece

Kentaro Nagai's Award-Winning Poster Series, Piece Together For Peace

Kentaro Nagai, the creative force behind Graflex Directions, was inspired by historical events such as The Great Depression and World War II, and more recent global crises, to create "War and Peace". The series, which started in 2007, uses the world map to create images that symbolize conflict and peace. The skull represents "War", while the pigeon symbolizes "Peace". Remarkably, both images are made from maps of the same size, manipulated only through movement and rotation.

The "Piece Together For Peace" project aims to express the vision of a unified world. It uses the figure of land in the world to create images of nations, corporations, and peace. The project's name reflects its goal: assembling the pieces of the world like a puzzle to create a peaceful whole.

Creating these images was a complex process. The world map was divided into many fragments, which were then rearranged through movement and rotation. The selection of themes and motifs was also a critical part of the design process. The final product was a silk screen print on glossy white paper, measuring 728 x 728 mm.

The project has resonated with audiences worldwide, garnering attention on blogs and social media platforms. It has also collaborated with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and United Nations-related organizations to produce posters and symbols. The "War and Peace" series was awarded Silver in the A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award in 2019, a testament to its creative and professional excellence.

Despite the challenges of creating such intricate designs, Nagai's work stands as a powerful statement on the potential for peace in a world often marked by conflict. The "War and Peace" series is a testament to the power of art to inspire change and envision a better future.

Copyrights for the "War and Peace" series belong to Kentaro Nagai, 2009. The series is a testament to Nagai's innovative approach to graphic design, using the world map as a canvas to express his vision of unity and peace.