London, 12 July 2024 – CIRCA has announced a new commission titled ‘DISARM’ by British artist Fiona Banner, AKA The Vanity Press. This innovative artwork features a procession of military jets spelling out the word ‘DISARM’ across Piccadilly Circus and global screens in Milan, Seoul, Berlin, and Tokyo.
The installation captures the contradictory nature of military flypasts, transforming a display of military power into a message of peace. Timed with recent developments such as the first F-16 jets being sent to Ukraine, Banner’s work calls for global disarmament. The Global Peace Index’s latest report, highlighting 56 wars and armed conflicts involving 92 countries – the highest number since World War II – underscores the urgency of this message.
‘DISARM’ also addresses the increasing scrutiny of language, with many artists facing censorship. Banner’s work emphasises the power of words to inspire change and the importance of protecting freedom of expression. Recent global events have demonstrated the fragility of these freedoms, making this artwork a poignant reminder of the need to advocate for humanity.
Launching on 16 July 2024 at 7 pm, Banner’s work will be displayed on Piccadilly Lights and broadcast across screens in Milan, Seoul, Berlin, and Tokyo. This marks the third of four significant commissions for CIRCA 20:24, aligning with the year’s manifesto, “<<BREAK FREE>> TIME’S ARROW FLIES FOREVER FORWARD.” The display will include a soundscape in London and extend to 4.5 minutes each evening at 20:24 BST.
Banner’s exploration of language continues in DISARM, which uses military jets to physically spell out the message. “The aircraft in the flypast is named after forces of nature—Typhoon, Leopard, and Lightning—speaking to our assault on the planet and each other,” Banner explains. This work juxtaposes the destructive nature of military jets with the constructive power of language, creating a complex, thought-provoking piece.
The installation coincides with a report from the Global Peace Index on 11 June 2024, highlighting the increasing government spending on military strength worldwide, risking further geopolitical tensions. Last year, $2,440 billion (£1,970 billion) was spent on military arms, overshadowing humanitarian aid and climate change spending.
Josef O’Connor, CIRCA’s founder and Artistic Director, emphasised the necessity of Banner’s work: “Amid the widespread weaponisation permeating political and social relationships, humanity seeks a sign to break free from the cycle of violence. Banner’s ‘DISARM’ invites us to dream of the impossible.”
The United Nations Disarmament Commission’s recent calls for strengthened arms control and disarmament measures further support the project. Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs highlighted the importance of returning to dialogue and negotiations to reinforce collective security.
‘DISARM’ serves as a powerful reminder of the need for global peace and the role of art in advocating for a more humane world.