Wow! This is a big one, perhaps the most significant tactical media event, ever.The work of The Yes Men epitomizes tactical media art practice. They have done some of the most memorable work in this field, as is documented in their excellent movie. However, I cannot think of a project as complete and widespread as this one, which proclaims the end of the Iraq war in printed New York Times newspapers. 1.2 million of these fakes were reportedly distributed in New York and they were complete with tactical media style advertising (American Apparel "advertising" their newly unionized workers) and multiple stories reporting a more humanitarian future, such as, Torture, Rendition “Not Such Good Ideas After All" and High-Speed Internet Hits Fast Track to Appalachia. In addition to the print paper, they've made an internet version, which has been getting so much traffic it has been difficult to get onto. This morning I smiled as I ate breakfast and listened to the BBC reporting on this tactical media art performance (okay, they did not call it that, they like the word 'prank').
To generate all of the content and mobilize the teams of volunteers necessary, it must have required the cooperation/collaboration of many artists and organizations. I am very impressed with this, but I'm also in awe of the unusual tone in the content here. There is some of the traditional lashing out at the powers that be (Court Indicts Bush on High Treason Charge), but overall, this is a very hopeful effort, one which portends a future of our own making. Their press release email headline is, "SPECIAL" NEW YORK TIMES BLANKETS CITIES WITH MESSAGE OF HOPE AND CHANGE" and it goes on, "Is this true? I wish it were true!" said one reader. "It can be true, if we demand it."
