Brandalism: the environmental activists using spoof adverts to critique rampant consumerism

Amid the flurry of billboards promoting cut price deals in the run up to Black Friday, some activists have slipped in the odd spoof advert. By subverting public advertising space, they’re risking legal action to try and make serious points about the excesses of consumer culture and the perilous state of the environment. In this episode, we find out about the subvertising movement and its links to a wider conversation about mass consumerism and the environment.

Featuring Eleftheria Lekakis, a senior lecturer in media and communication at the University of Sussex in the UK.

This episode was written, produced and sound designed by Eloise Stevens, with production assistance from Mend Mariwany and Katie Flood. Gemma Ware is the executive producer of the show.. Full credits for this episode are available here. A transcript is now available.

Further reading:

• Why artists installed 600 fake adverts at COP21
• Artists are not at the negotiating table at COP26 but art is everywhere. What can they accomplish through their work?