‘The Invisibility Of Poverty’ – Street Art by Kevin Lee Vidar

Just because you can’t see it, does that mean it isn’t there?

This question is powerfully illustrated in UNICEF China’s 2008 campaign to raise awareness about the “invisibility of poverty” affecting children in China. In a series of photographs by Kevin Lee, Haohui Zhou, and Bin Liu, homeless children in Beijing were painted to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, making them almost indiscernible from the urban landscape.

One of the most striking images features a boy sitting on a set of stone steps, painted so meticulously that one might have to look twice to notice him. A sign beside him reads “不要忽略我,” which translates to “Don’t ignore me.” Beneath this, in smaller text, the sign highlights the plight of over 1.5 million underprivileged children in China, urging passersby to recognize and address their hardships.

This powerful campaign, created by Kevin Lee in Beijing, China, in 2008, managed to raise approximately $30,000 USD in just five days, significantly aiding suffering children. Although launched over a decade ago, these images continue to resonate, reminding us of the persistent issue of child poverty and the importance of empathy and action.

In today’s world, these visuals gain renewed relevance, encouraging us to see and respond to the suffering that often goes unnoticed. The campaign’s success and the enduring impact of these images underscore the vital role of art in advocacy and awareness.