Graphic designer Alexandros Kosmidis has created UNbuffer, a series of postcards that explore the United Nations' line between the Greek and Turkish sides of Cyprus.
Kosmidis created the graphic design project as a petition for peace and the end of Turkish occupation of the island.
The project has been shortlisted for Dezeen Awards 2020 graphic design of the year.
UNbuffer relates to the UN-patrolled buffer zone in Cyprus
UNbuffer is a portmanteau of United Nations (UN) Buffer Zone, the demilitarised zone patrolled by UN peacekeepers, also known as the Green Line.
The zone was established in 1964 when the UN negotiated a peace deal after fighting between Greek and Turkish Cypriots saw Turkish military jets drop bombs and napalm on villages. The line became impassable in 1974 after the Turkish invasion of the Mediterranean island. "Patrolled by the UN peacekeeping force, it constitutes a constant reminder and remainder of conflict," said Kosmidis. "It's an open trauma, both physically and symbolically."
The designer wanted to subvert symbols of division such as roadblock barrels
Kosmidis chose postcards as a medium to literally "deliver a message" about the ongoing division of the country.
"The front of the cards feature images, text and repurposed items found in the landscape of the dividing zone, whose function has been subverted so that they stop representing a message of division and exclusion," the designer said.
Green and orange...