I Saw the Sign

A circle with three intersecting lines: the emblematic logo of nuclear disarmament and the hippy movement, the peace sign is one of the most famous in the world. But its inventor, activist and graphic designer Gerald Holtom has remained a little-known figure.

"Somewhere over the Rainbow”... The song created for Judy Garland in the film "The Wizard of Oz" became the anthem of the American gay community in the 1970s. The rainbow flag did not appear until the end of the decade, under the impetus of the American artist and activist Gilbert Baker.

The 1968 Olympic Games were marked by a powerful image: Tommie Smith and John Carlos, two black athletes raised their fists in protest against the oppression of African-Americans in the United States. More than fifty years later, the gesture of the raised fist has been taken up by the Black Lives Matter movement. But where does the raised fist originate?

At a concert in 1992 paying tribute to Freddy Mercury, who had died of AIDS a few months earlier, many famous artists wore a red ribbon. It soon became an international symbol of solidarity with people living with HIV/AIDS.

The Anonymous collective became famous through its acts of civil disobedience. But what is the real story behind the creepy smiling masks worn by its activists?