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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!

#3

Swastika Transformation Street Art

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Cheryl Thomas
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought the "Paintback" idea was to incorporate the original lines in the revised version. I don't see that this was done here - some of the lines in the original swastika are completely missing from the revision.

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Janice
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not that I don't like the idea but the part where the mouths come together looks very awkward to me.

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Alexandra Ionescu
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6 years ago

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First, I thought this is about the ex-president of USA. Sorry, Mr. President!

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Maria T.
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6 years ago

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This is probably gonna get a lot of downvotes, but why did they have to do such a controversial image, why not something just with "love" or "peace"? Would end up ticking off a lot less people

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Gornot
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People don't get ticked off by images of this kind. But (to put it politely) a******s totally do get ticked off.

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#8

Swastika Transformation Street Art

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arg
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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
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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

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Bored Fox
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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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