About us

'We believe this world needs Artists- not Armies and we also feel that the message Artists Not Armies should be delivered to the masses everywhere. We're almost evangelical about it. Let people know that we are here to stay. Let people know that no artist will be silenced by politics and war.' Alexander Tempel- Creative Director Artists Not Armies.

 

Artists Not Armies & Alexander Tempel by Anna Nikbakht Nooshin from overdose.am

Sometimes, an idea can be so brilliant yet so amazingly simple that it is surprising that no one came up with it before. When I first met Alexander Tempel at Amsterdam Fashion Week, I just had to take his picture. Not because his look was so particularly unique or ground breaking, but because his presence as a whole made me turn my head. He wore his outfit with much confidence, but it was the text printed on the bag he was carrying that provided the finishing touch: Artists not Armies.

The phrase immediately reminded me of one my favourite slogans in the world: make love not war. I wasn’t surprised when Alexander told me that he was indeed inspired by this world-famous quote. You have to understand that Alexander is not your typical designer, nor is he your typical creative mind. He studied Law, finished it, became an entrepreneur and painter and then decided to create the brand Artists Not Armies. He is now the proud owner of a label that produces some of the best canvas bags that I have seen in years, all carrying that one simple phrase.

I met him at his breathtakingly beautiful office located right at the canal in the heart of Amsterdam. His paintings were hanging on his office walls, giving the room a modern splash of colour, and his canvas bags were everywhere. On the day of shooting, I was once again impressed with his outfit, his creativity and his simple yet decisive way of thinking about life. Although Alexander comes off relaxed and very kind, I could tell that he is determined to make his brand work and grow big.

Alexander told me that he was always surprised to see how people in Amsterdam dress up and can look so unique, but still manage to carry their groceries in a ripped plastic bag. He wanted to give these people a canvas bag that not only looked good, but was practical at the same time. The text on the bags is crucial and the signature red A that is printed on the back can be recognized anywhere in the world, making it the ultimate shopping bag.

After only a few months of production, his bags have already been spotted all over the world, from Amsterdam to London and Italy. The process of expanding the label with limited edition bags and sweatshirts is already in the making. One of the most important things for Alexander is to stay in touch with the people who carry his bags and therefore pictures of fans wearing the signature red A appear on his Facebook page and blog regularly. They all share the same vision and stand for a message that is not only very fashionable but also inspiring: let’s be Artists not Armies!

“My point of view on art -in short- is that art is the ultimate conversation piece; it allowes people to discuss subjects that are beyond politics and beyond economics. However at the same time your view on art shows who you are and what your viewpoints are. In short: art can function as a common ground before and after having moved on to politics and war”.