The poster "BE NICE" explores complex questions about sincerity, social norms, and the pressure to be pleasant, which is often imposed by society. At the center of the composition, a large white text reading "BE NICE" stands out against a bright, almost aggressively pink background, immediately drawing the viewer's attention. At first glance, it may seem like a simple and friendly reminder of good manners. However, the vertical black text on the right side, "NOTHING IS CANDID EVER," adds an unsettling tone, prompting viewers to question the authenticity of our behavior and emotions. This phrase highlights the contradiction between external expectations and internal feelings, revealing the idea that in today’s world, "niceness" and "friendliness" often take on an artificial quality. The poster seems to encourage the viewer to reflect on those times when being "nice" is a forced mask that conceals true emotions or intentions. The large graphic silhouette of a person, created with a halftone effect reminiscent of newspaper dots, adds a retro vibe, enhancing the visual texture and emphasizing the contrast between the visible and hidden aspects of one's personality.
The contrasting color palette—black, white, and pink—adds a sense of tension: while pink appears bright and joyful, combined with the stark black elements, it takes on an aggressive undertone. The halftone technique creates the impression that this is more than just a portrait; it’s a symbolic representation of a person who has to wear a mask of niceness. This style also references vintage advertising posters, adding context and symbolizing the ongoing pressure exerted by mass culture. This poster is created using screen printing with acrylic paints on canvas. The screen-printing technique gives the image sharpness and vibrant colors, allowing each detail to stand out—from the texture of the halftone portrait to the brightness of the pink background and the graphic precision of the text.
