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Anonymous Israeli art collective Broken Fingaz directs highly political animation for U2

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Date
19 January 2018
A person in a black suit stands behind a wooden desk in a brightly coloured, theatrical set. They are flanked by two green paper plants and rainbow-coloured window cut-outs against a red wall.

Anonymous Israeli artist collective Broken Fingaz has directed a politically charged animated music video for U2. The stop motion video for Get Out of Your Own Way applies the collective’s signature psychedelic pop style to entirely paper cut scenery, depicting contentious imagery. In one notable scene, Ku Klux Klan members march outside the Oval Office to the backdrop of a rainbow, as Donald Trump watches.

“The video addresses the current political situation,” says Broken Fingaz. “2017 for us was the year fascists worldwide felt confident enough to raise their heads again, encouraged by Trump and other world leaders, who use people’s fear to build more walls and segregation. The song is both a personal letter and a clarion cry to the global situation.” The collective worked with editor Adam Albo on the animation.

The group was founded in 2001 and is known for its street art and large-scale prints, and considered controversial in Israel for its social commentary. Its work has recently become more political since the 50 year anniversary of the 1967 Israel-Arab war, such as Making the occupation cute which the group explained was “created to ‘celebrate’ 50 years of occupation”.

A paper cutout scene featuring four white, hooded figures standing against a dark blue night sky. A bright rainbow arcs behind them over green hills, and each figure holds a torch with a yellow flame.
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Broken Fingaz: U2, Get Out of Your Own Way

A collection of colourful, stylised packaging and objects arranged on a red and white checkered tablecloth. A blue box features an illustration of the Statue of Liberty and the words “Liberty Crackers”.
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Broken Fingaz: U2, Get Out of Your Own Way

A collage of torn paper fragments in red, blue, black and white. The pieces are densely packed, with a large cluster of blue shapes forming a central focal point.
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Broken Fingaz: U2, Get Out of Your Own Way

A detailed model of a city building with a grey concrete facade. A colourful, abstract painting is mounted on the first floor, above a ground-floor shop with a small American flag in the window.
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Broken Fingaz: U2, Get Out of Your Own Way

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About the Author

Jenny Brewer

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Jenny oversees editorial output across It’s Nice That. Get in touch with writing pitches for features or opinion pieces, big creative story tips, or questions about all things editorial. jb@itsnicethat.com

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