Gran OM, a Graphic Voice for Social Struggles in Mexico and Latin America
In 2006, the artist OM founded a visual arts studio focused on denouncing injustice and supporting social struggles through graphic design.
In order to make an impact on Mexican and Latin American society, Gran OM has evolved into a collective initiative, which currently includes Kloer, Chauiztle, Boer, Richard, and OM.
With more than a decade of experience, this Mexican graphic activism collective has embraced paper, ink, and paste as powerful tools to denounce the violence and abuses faced by ordinary citizens.
In the wake of the political events of 2006 in Mexico, OM sought a way to denounce injustice and bring it to light beyond taking part in public demonstrations.
What began as an intuitive exploration, leading OM from the audiovisual world into the art of poster-making, has grown into Gran OM, a visual studio founded in 2006. Its work is dedicated to exposing injustice and supporting social movements through the power of graphic design.
Since 2006, the collective has explored a wide range of disciplines and techniques, including printmaking, muralism, stencil art, editorial design, graphic design, audiovisual media, and performance art.
"Posters are the medium we use most because we have a deep connection to their history. I suppose we're romantics when it comes to them. To me, a poster that appears overnight on a wall still carries the same powerful impact," says OM.
« Art plays a vital role in social and political change, but it is essential to distinguish between what is important and what is urgent
We recognize that art is important, but it is not urgent. What is urgent is improving the living conditions of countless people. What is urgent is ensuring that justice is served across many parts of the world."
In 2010, following a period in Spain, OM redirected his artistic practice toward promoting solidarity and raising awareness through art.
From the outset, the members of Gran OM made it clear that technical virtuosity was not their primary concern. What mattered most was the immediacy with which the message needed to be communicated when addressing a particular issue. The collective also wanted to reach the widest possible audience, making offset printing the most suitable production method.
Pour Gran OM, l’affiche a la capacité d’avoir un impact sur tout le monde grâce à l’attraction visuelle qu’elle génère, mais elle peut également être utilisée pour traiter de questions controversées et actuelles et pour générer un contenu critique.
