World Standards Day poster 2005

As seen by the artist Mark Elder

The theme for this year is: Standards for a safer world.

It is about international agreements (standards) that help to make life easier, more comfortable, more secure and convenient. Above all else though, they help to make it safer.

So, how do you address such a theme visually?

At first I thought about the key themes and words. Safety, regularity, protection, the future, reassurance and ultimately happiness.

The bubbles came to mind when I thought about safety and protection. They represent a protective environment where the inside is nurtured. They also represent a finite and precise area, which, of course, sums up the nature of standards in terms of the formatting of precise and consistent agreements and documents.

But at the same time, they also represent the inherent fragility of the world that we live in. Our very vulnerability reminds us of the beauty of life and the joy and sorrow that mark us as we amble down the uncertain paths of our lives. As Madeleine L'Engle* so eloquently stated: “When we were children, we used to think that when we were grown-up we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability... To be alive is to be vulnerable.” (Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art).

The theme for 2005 suggests a need to look forward. With this in mind, the baby represents the future. Everything we do, we do for our children and our children’s children. As well as embracing the future, we need the courage to protect the innocence of humanity.

The style of the illustration was also chosen to project an aura of innocence. Teamed with a wide palette of colours and a sense of fun, the effect is playful and relaxed. This indicates a world that is not operating in a state of stress and tension, but of joy and wonderment. Just as children are when they feel safe and protected.

“For in the final analysis,” John F. Kennedy once said, “our most basic common link, is that we all inhabit this small planet, we all breathe the same air, we all cherish our children's futures, and we are all mortal.”

* Madeleine L'Engle is an American author well known for her lyrical fiction, essays and poetry about space, time and love. She has published over 60 books. Born in New York in 1918, she was educated in France and Switzerland. Madelaine L'Engle resides in New York City.