OnStar Leverages The Power of GCC Artists To Create Provoking Artworks That Redefine Road Safety
Six renowned Arab artists used road accident footage to create art that inspires a more aware motoring environment
Six artists from the GCC region used their talents to reframe the conversation around road safety and inspire a more aware motoring environment.
OnStar, the pioneering in-vehicle safety and security technology from General Motors, collaborated with gifted Middle East artists to make powerful pieces of art that will encourage the public to start a dialogue about road safety and bring the issue out into the open in a bid to save lives.
The ‘Through Their Eyes’ initiative invited artists Hamad Al Humaidhan, Kristel Bechara, Galina Gorlova, Simon Kazanjian, Sumayyah Al Suwaidi and Asma Al Remeithi to depict the emotions of accident victims in a piece of art and highlight the reality of collisions. To fuel their inspiration, OnStar provided the artists with images of accidents and unedited emergency calls. The result is a striking series of artworks in mediums such as paint, sequential, abstract and digital design that challenge the stigma of conversations around road traffic accidents and offer an empathetic understanding for people affected.
One of the artists, Hamad Al Humaidhan, hopes his art will make people think twice when getting into their cars. “Road safety is a serious topic,” he says. “I know art is strong and loud, so hopefully a painting of mine can raise awareness and bring to light the consequences of reckless driving.”
Shereen Harris, Head of Marketing & Subscriptions for OnStar Middle East at General Motors, says, “The artists embarked on a transformative experience through firsthand accounts from accident victims, and we hope that through these works, conversation can emerge within a stress-free environment and live on in the minds of our audiences.”
OnStar is a revolutionary safety and security system from General Motors that gives users peace of mind on the road and support in the case of the unplanned. The innovative technological service – found in Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles – partners with public service departments to help drivers in any eventuality, elevated by its unique human touch.
In the event of a car accident, vehicle sensors automatically alert an OnStar Advisor who can assist with first responders to send the appropriate help to your location and will stay on the line with you until help arrives.
In addition to support in case of accidents, OnStar is also there for drivers in everyday situations. Enabling users to control their vehicle remotely, including locking and unlocking doors, engaging the lights, honking the horn, and starting and stopping the engine. For example, if you find yourself locked out of your car, a live Advisor can unlock the vehicle after verifying your credentials, while an empty petrol tank or a flat tyre can also be supported with human help from OnStar.
The powerful art created via the Through Their Eyes initiative, has since pushed past the usual unease around the subject matter, evoking instead understanding and empathy for those affected, working towards making roads in the GCC a safer place for us all.
Image Supplied