Our Place and Mason London to join 22 designers and studios in exhibition, For Iraq and Syria

London-based freelance graphic designer Yasseen Faik is the man behind For Iraq and Syria, a collaborative poster project and soon-to-be exhibition between 22 designers and studios in partnership with Grey Jam Press with a single shared purpose: to raise awareness and debate around countries in crisis.

“As scenes of the death and displacement of Iraqis and Syrians have become a norm, many of us have forgotten the real horror of what is happening in our world, to our humanity,” Yasseen, who is of both Iraqi and Syrian descent, explains. “The brief was clear: to create bold yet simplistic posters in response to the current situations in Iraq and Syria, using only two colours. Whether featuring typography or illustration – literal or abstract – the imperative was to be creative and meaningful.”

Among the designers and studios involved in the upcoming exhibition are Alfie Allen & Anna Higgie, Ben Arfur, Fabian Fohrer, Gaurab Thakali, George Greaves, Jack Wells, Joe Morgan, Josh Costar, Josh Hayes-Davidson, Lucy Grimes, Lu-ay Sami, Mason London, Mike Simpson, Nick Hussain, Our Place, Pavilion, M+R, Rosie Lee Wilson, 12-B, Tijl Schneider, Willem Purdy and Yasseen.

“Our hope is to inspire discussion in an inviting and culturally contemporary context,” Yasseen says. “For Iraq and Syria captures an important part of our shared story, and we hope it can both engage and contribute to a meaningful cause.”

For Iraq and Syria will take place at the KK Outlet, Shoreditch, where it will run from 2 June – 30 June, accompanied by original artwork from east London studio Our Place and two unreleased typefaces by designer James Griffin. The 22 screen printed posters will be displayed and sold in runs of 30, all hand pulled onto GF Smith, ice white 270gsm paper.