1 Million Stars to End Violence is an installation by Maryann Talia Pau on display at the Big Design Market in Melbourne, Australia. In September 2012, the Melbourne community was strongly shaken by the rape and murder of local Brunswick woman, Jill Meagher. What started as a personal response by local artist Maryann Talia Pau has evolved into a community-wide weaving project that uses the 8-point star as a symbol of compassion and courage to end all forms of violence.
Maryann was inspired to weave the stars by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quote, “Returning hate for hate only multiplies hate, adding more darkness to a night already void of stars. Darkness cannot put out darkness, only light and love can do that.” The stars represent light, hope, and courage in recognition of the fact that violence continues to affect communities everywhere.
Since the project began, Maryann has received at least 10,000 stars woven from communities across Melbourne, Alice Springs, Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, Europe and the Pacific Islands. She is still working towards the goal of one million stars and is in the process of beginning a second installation.
Photo credit: John E
Maryann Talia Pau's website
1 Million Stars to End Violence website
via [Republic X]
