GALLERY: Human art makes a ‘bloody’ statement

ER24 in collaboration with South African National Blood Service, and Accident Angels presented a unique awareness campaign at Clearwater Mall in Struben’s Valley.

The awareness campaign saw a unique artist installation of human models posing with painted veins and arteries on 17 June.

The aim of this campaign was to raise awareness for National Blood Donor Month and to highlight the importance of blood donations and how much of a difference each person who donates, makes to those in need.

ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring, explained that the models present at the drive were staff and medics from ER24 and [Accident Angels – ] “We decided to use our own staff, and a lot of their friends and family as well. This showed that this is your average, everyday person. It doesn’t matter whether you are skinny, tall, or large – anyone can donate blood,” he said.

Meiring pointed out that the team wanted to educate shoppers about how important blood is by sharing facts and pamphlets. “It is fascinating to know that one pint of blood can save up to three to five lives. We have models painted with their heart, arteries, and veins on them, so people can see the whole vascular structure. We have the South African Blood Service here, so people can go and donate as well,” he said.

Artist at Airvolution Studios Charl Bubb was very excited to be part of this awareness campaign. “The idea behind this artwork is that it goes toward promoting a blood donation campaign. The idea is get people to have a look and and to create a kind of awareness to donate blood. It was a good opportunity for my colleagues to showcase their art work during the run of the campaign,” he said.

Awareness model Carmen Muller was very proud to be part of this campaign. “I think this was a very unique and interesting way of promoting blood donor week, compared to other media methods like adverts or billboards,” she said.