Photos: Can One Artist Inspire a City? Western Union Says Yes!

ENGLEWOOD, Colorado - ‘Reverse-graffiti’ artist Moose creates illustrations in 68 sites throughout London

Londoners may have noticed a unique phenomenon in their city lately: “reverse graffiti” murals popping up all over town.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: www.prnewswire.com/mnr/westernunion/37719/

(Photo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090406/NY94735-a )

(Photo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090406/NY94735-b )

Nearly 200 illustrations, which took shape in 68 key locations throughout London beginning in late March, are the work of British artist Paul “Moose” Curtis. Moose’s art is called “reverse graffiti” - a technique he created that uses collected rainwater to wash away dirt and pollution. The “graffiti” creates a clean negative space, which is the finished illustration.

Western Union and global agency of record Publicis Hong Kong commissioned Moose to create the illustrations throughout the city as part of the global rollout of the Western Union yes! brand launch. The campaign, which the global money-transfer company kicked off in February, features a number of elements, including a global television commercial and print ads - running in 200 countries around the globe in 40 languages - live street art demonstrations, and a cause-marketing website.

Also as part of the yes! launch, Western Union commissioned famed street artist Chase to create a 20-foot by 30-foot mural in February in New York City. Chase has painted murals up and down the California coast and is well-known for incorporating uplifting, inspiring messages in his work.

Moose and Chase were chosen because their thought-provoking artwork represents the positivity and hope inherent in Western Union’s yes! campaign. The campaign - the result of extensive consumer research from around the globe - is a burst of positive. It embodies an ambitious and forward-looking new vision for the 150-year-old company and targets the 200 million people around the world who live outside their country of origin.

“Western Union believes in people who are on the move in pursuit of their dreams,” said Gail Galuppo, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Western Union. “Moose looks at something - in his case, a dirty wall or building - and finds a way to make it better. We find that to be a metaphor for how our customers live their lives - they may be separated from their families for long periods as they seek better opportunities, but they make the best of it. The yes! campaign reflects their positivity and can-do spirit.”

Sue McCusker, General Manager of Publicis Hong Kong, said, “The reverse graffiti adds depth to the campaign in a very unique and unexpected way. By using street art, and such an unusual form of it, we hope to create a connection between Western Union and the local community that goes far beyond what can be achieved in traditional media.”

To watch video from the New York City launch, visit www.youtube.com/westernunion

Visit Western Union’s cause-marketing website at www.wuyeseffect.com.

About Western Union

The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global money transfer services. Together with its Vigo and Orlandi Valuta-branded money transfer services, Western Union provides consumers with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, as well as send payments and purchase money orders. It operates through a combined network of more than 375,000 Agent locations in 200 countries and territories. Famous for its pioneering telegraph services, the original Western Union dates back to 1851. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.

About Publicis Hong Kong

Publicis Hong Kong is one of the fastest-growing agencies in the market, serving a wide range of multinational clients and blue-chip local clients handling global, regional and local business. Services offered cover a wide range of communications including interactive via Publicis Modem to deliver “contagious ideas that change the conversation” to build brands and drive results.

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Source: Western Union

Kristin Kelly, Western Union, +1-720-332-4751, kristin.kelly at westernunion.com / Photo: https://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090406/NY94735-a, https://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090406/NY94735-b