Benetton has announced the first project to be created under the auspices of its UNHATE foundation: a giant dove of peace sculpture covered in spent cartridges which will stand in the Libyan capital of Tripoli

The UNHATE foundation was launched in November with a controversial poster campaign featuring kissing world leaders. Made by Fabrica but put together in Tripoli, the art installation will be officially donated to the city on Saturday December 24, Libyan Independence Day.

Original drawing for the sculpture

“The official handing-over of the dove is the UNHATE Foundation’s first act, both concrete and symbolic,” said Alessandro Benetton, Benetton Group’s executive deputy chairman. “Our aim in creating the Foundation is to oppose the culture of hate. It seeks to be a leader and driving force behind the desire for participation and change felt by citizens of the world, especially young people”.

Sculpture being assembled at Tripoli University

The sculpture is covered in 20,000 spent cartridges (see detail above) picked up in conflict zones around the world, as shown in this film

This film shows the original modelling for the sculpture

And here a full-size polystyrene model is made

More on the project on the Colors website here and here

Read Rick Poynor’s 2006 CR piece on Benetton at 40 here

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