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Like the protestors in the 60’s putting flowers in the barrels of guns, some people know that the best way to fight against hate is with love, beauty and creativity.

Ibo Omari is one of those people. Through his NGO Die kulturellen Erben (The Cultural Heritage) he started Paintback, a campaign to turn hateful symbols and slogans on the streets into something fun and artistic.

Based in Berlin, Germany, the Paintback concept has so far covered up several swastikas around the streets of the city, as far-right groups in Germany begin to show signs of increased activity. Using simple designs and templates, the graffiti artists involved in Paintback hope to inspire others to respond to ugly hate messages in their cities, and make something beautiful out of them. Via a short video shared on social media, which went viral in Germany, the campaign has quickly spread to other cities in the country and beyond with others posting their own swastika alterations under the hashtag #Paintback.

Scroll down below to see some of the examples of Paintback at work, be inspired, and don’t forget to vote for your favourite!

#1

Swastika Transformation Street Art

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Nadine Ducca
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does anyone else think it's really funny that they censored the swastika in the first photo?

Nadine Ducca
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, I just read the explanations in the comments section. I see! Thanks for informing us uninformed! :-)

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Ztata
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's right! Long straight deep purple line, this is the real symbol of our ancestors!!!! 1 - RAZA! Zi!

未周 陸
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But, Egyptians weren't that nice to Hebrew people, either. So, "Walk Away Like an Egyptian"?! LOL

mp3
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

just FYI, white european jews are not related to ancient hebrews and real meaning of the swastika has been corrupted in stages throughout the centuries - on purpose

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BlahBlah
Community Member
6 years ago

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They drew a swastika with a rectangle? Why?

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    #8

    Swastika Transformation Street Art

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    arg
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminds me of this art book .. I wonder if burne Hogarth also painted over a swastika. 516xVoz5sd...861ade.jpg 516xVoz5sdL_SX382_BO1204203200_-5a563fc861ade.jpg

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    #11

    Swastika Transformation Street Art

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    Willow
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah I don't get the blocking out either... artist does a better job with the paint! :D

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    #12

    Swastika-Transformation-Street-Art-Paintback-Berlin

    Legacy BLN - Graffiti Culture & Art Tools Report

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    Bored Fox
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most of these look more like hindu swastikas because the nazi swastika should be always rotated 45 degrees.

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