When we are silent we are still afraid is a phrase from ‘A Litany for Survival’, a poem by American writer, professor, philosopher, intersectional feminist, poet and civil rights activist Audre Lorde. 

The image has been commissioned by Book Works for What did you do… (2024), a poster project to mark 40 years of commissions and book making, made in response to the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza overshadowing all our activity. We have invited artists to contribute work that speaks to ideas of solidarity with the oppressed, and liberation for the occupied, for a series of A3 posters. 

When we are silent we are still afraid is a four-colour letterpress print on Claro Bulk 170gsm, in an edition of 40 copies, plus 5 artist’s proofs. The poster was designed with graphic design studio Europa and printed in Book Works’ studio. 

Book Works and The Alternative School of Economics would like to thank Robin Christian, Europa, Rob Hadrill and Dinamo Typefaces for their help with this project.

Any proceeds from this project will be donated to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP).

Artists participating in this project include: Alternative School of Economics, Hamja Ahsan, Banu Cennetoğlu, Marcus Coates, Jesse Darling, Jeremy Deller, Falgoush Collective, Fehras Publishing Practices with Nancy Naser Al Deen and Sina Ahmadi, Dora García, Deborah-Joyce Holman, Karl Holmqvist, Marianne Keating, Rosalind Nashashibi, Prem Sahib, Tai Shani, Sofia Niazi, Katrina Palmer, Charlie Prodger, Anne Tallentire, Joanne Tatham and Tom O’Sullivan, Rosa-Johan Uddoh, and Cecilia Vicuña.