Craftivism & Yarn-Bombing
Craftivism is a branch of graffiti used to raise awareness for social justice issues. Yarn-bombing is a form of radical craft work popularised by women and marginalized peoples as a form of peaceful protest.
By Macquarie University
Lucy Taylor, Khriselle Baterna, A/Prof Alyce McGovern, Dr Brian Ballsun-Stanton
Images have been collected by UNSW A/Prof Alyce McGovern as part of her research to be presented at a symposium at Macquarie University in June 2021.
A yarn-bombed tree
Activists use yarn-bombing to raise public awareness. This graffiti is craftivism: non-violent protest through yarn and needlework.
Pro-bicycling banner (2015)Macquarie University
Knitting a pro-bike poster
Attaching needle-work, knitting and crochet, to public places subverts this traditional home art to communicate public messages.
Craftivism doesn't always need a written message, sometimes themes and colours are enough.
On the left, the colours of the Australian Aboriginal flag promote Indigenous issues. On the right, the knitted hands remind passers by of historic aboriginal rock art.
‘Say No to Domestic Violence Knit Bomb’ - Figurine bunting (2019) by Robyn Caughlan; Tracie BertramMacquarie University
Women's work as knitted protest
Needleworks such as knitting & crochet have typically had an affiliation with domestic work - traditionally viewed women's work.
With knitted bunting, activists communicate feminist empowerment and messages of solidarity.
Unlike painted graffiti, cleaning up yarn is easy.
Activists use yarn to call attention
Colourful trees invite close inspection. Viewers then see the small cards for Zonta's Vision.
Yarn-bombing was a part of Zonta's anti domestic violence campaign in Blacktown, New South Wales.
These accessible forms of protest draw attention to important issues and allow for creative ways of activism.
‘Say No to Domestic Violence Knit Bomb’ - 4 figurines (2019)Macquarie University
Yarn as protest is popular and powerful.
Alyce will be presenting her research at a symposium entitled ‘Lines of Resistance’ at Macquarie University in June 2021, which aims to explore the role of graphic arts in cutting through political inertia and visualising utopian alternatives.
Images provided courtesy of:
Alyce McGovern
Story by:
Lucy Taylor
Khriselle Baterna
Production by:
Brian Ballsun-Stanton
