My illustration Simple Living is an idea inspired by the medias constant cover of completely meaningless things.
My thought was: Since doing nothing but wearing designerbags and small ugly dogs appearantly is enough to get you on a magasine cover, maybe it is worth a try for people who actually deserves and needs attention.

When we’re presented with the same images in the media over and over again, we might start to believe that they’re important.

As I was reading the book ”Not on our watch” by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast this summer, I felt horrified by the fact that even with the genocide and other ongoing atrocities in Darfur, Paris Hilton was the one getting all the attention. Is it possible that show business have outruled common sense?

If you can’t beat them, join them. This is why I have chosen to mix the cruel reality with showbiz elements in my drawing.

When you look at ways to help Darfur on the website: www.savedarfur.org, amongst other things it says:
Raise awareness. Raise funds. So that is what I am trying to do.

100% of the profits from the Simple Living t-shirt and poster are donated to Divest for Darfur
“Divestment offers a powerful way to exert economic pressure on the Sudanese government to cooperate with international peacekeeping efforts.

Your gift will help fund the Divest for Darfur campaign and other crucial awareness and advocacy programs that play a critical role in building the political and economic pressure needed to end the crisis in Darfur.”

LOUIS VUITTON WANTS ME
TO STOP MY DARFUR CAMPAIGN


In October last year I started my Simple Living campaign to raise awareness of the ongoing genocide in Darfur and to raise money for the helping organization "Divest for Darfur".

On February 13, 2008, I received a letter from Louis Vuitton’s main office in Paris, asking me firmly to end the campaign immediately, as they believe one of their products is being portrayed in the art piece.
They refer to my website as ”Exhibit 1”.

However, I stand up for my artistic freedom to express my view of the world as I see it without restrictions from anybody.

On February 20, 2008, I informed Louis Vuitton’s Intellectual Property Director that I intend to continue my campaign to support the victims of Darfur.

On April 15, 2008, I received a lawsuit from Louis Vuitton.