**Guerilla projection** or **light graffiti** is a form of digital activism where images, messages, or videos are projected onto buildings, monuments, or public spaces, often without prior permission. This tactic allows activists to display large, eye-catching messages in highly visible locations, temporarily transforming public or private structures into canvases for social or political messages. ### Key Features of Guerilla Projection 1. **Non-Permanent**: Unlike traditional graffiti, which is painted or applied directly to surfaces, light graffiti uses projected images that leave no physical trace. This non-invasive nature allows messages to appear temporarily, disappearing once the equipment is turned off. 2. **High Visibility**: Because projections are typically done at night on large, visible surfaces, they attract immediate attention from passersby, media, and social networks. Activists can amplify their message by selecting iconic buildings or prominent urban sites that naturally draw more attention. 3. **Easy to Deploy**: Guerilla projection requires relatively simple equipment—a high-powered projector, possibly a generator or power source, and the media content (text, images, or videos). Activists can set up quickly, project their message for a short period, and leave without leaving physical evidence, making this a lower-risk tactic than other forms of protest art. 4. **Adaptable and Customizable**: Light graffiti can be quickly adapted to highlight different messages, images, or hashtags, and can respond to recent events or issues in real-time. Activists can create dynamic and changing displays, such as flashing messages, video loops, or animations, to make the display more engaging and memorable. ### Common Uses of Guerilla Projection in Activism - **Awareness and Protest**: Projecting messages related to social justice, environmental issues, or human rights onto corporate or government buildings directly associates these entities with the issue, calling them to public accountability. - **Direct Critique or Satire**: Projections can display satirical messages, memes, or critiques directly on the subject of the protest—like projecting environmental messages onto an oil company’s headquarters. - **Campaigns and Announcements**: Activists use light graffiti to promote events, slogans, or hashtags to inspire public participation and increase visibility. ### Example Scenario An activist group concerned with climate change might project images of melting glaciers or air pollution statistics onto the facade of a major corporate building or government office, creating an impactful juxtaposition that’s hard for onlookers to ignore. They might project this during a high-profile event or rally, capturing attention from both the public and the media. ### Benefits and Challenges - **Benefits**: Light graffiti is powerful because it is hard to ignore and makes a bold visual statement without physically altering public property. It’s relatively low-cost, can be executed quickly, and carries a lower risk of legal consequences than traditional graffiti. - **Challenges**: High-powered projection equipment is often needed, which can be costly or difficult to transport, and guerrilla projection relies on darkness, limiting it to nighttime use. Additionally, weather, building shapes, or other obstacles may affect the visibility or clarity of the projection. In essence, **guerilla projection** allows activists to take over public space visually, transforming buildings into “digital billboards” for change, with minimal risk and maximal visibility.