What better way to recreate the likeness of greats such as Jim Morrison, Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, James Brown, Freddie Mercury, and Elvis than to depict them using their music as a medium? Mirco Pagano and Moreno De Turco used an array of the musicians’ own albums to create portraits that stunningly capture the facial expressions and body language of each icon. But the project is more than just a tribute to thee stars. It’s part of Piracy, a campaign against illegal file sharing by the advertising agency TBWA based on the idea that these deceased musicians were cheated out of their success and ultimately brought down by music piracy. The theme is underscored in an accompany video, which shows Michael Jackson literally withering away as CDs swallow him up.

Though the images are visually stunning, like Visual News, we’re not sure the campaign entirely adds up. Why was TBWA moved to illustrate the ill effects of Internet piracy using this particular set of musicians, most of whom worked during a time that predates file sharing and were extremely successful during their lives? Let us know what you think. Are these images an interesting way to use art for a relevant cause or an aesthetically cool campaign whose politics and/or execution bother you? Click through to see images and video from Piracy, and head over to Behance to learn more.  … Read More