We are familiar to various forms of demonstration taking place through the use of marches, graffiti, campaigns, and social media. Yet recently, a new and unique way to promote your cause has manifested.

Allow me to introduce you to W.place – an online digital map of the world. Described as “a massive live pixel art canvas layered over the world map.” The website allows its worldwide users to place individual pixels on top of a shared map of the world.

Taking inspiration from R.place, a giant canvas where users could place pixels to create works of art, this latest evolution migrates over to the real world.

Users are given one pixel every 30 seconds with these stocking up to a capped level, stopping users going overboard and using the site responsibly.  Like its predecessor, many have turned to the space to celebrate their national identity, interests and key issues, but the specific geographic nature of W.place allows this to reach a deeper level.

When it comes to Scotland, it’s unsurprising that football has a visible presence on the map. In Glasgow, Partick Thistle dominates over the Old Firm rivals who have focused on continually vandalising the artwork of each other’s clubs. 

Yet, more direct political messages have also been conveyed. For example, at Faslane, home of the UK’s nuclear submarines, users have created nuclear and peace signs, seemingly criticizing Trident – the UK’s Nuclear weapons system.

Additionally, hundreds of flags for causes such as Ukraine, IndyRef 2, and Palestine are dotted all over the country as well.

Whilst some users have been using it for far more humorous activities; such as recreating the Willy Wonka Experience characters, or turning the Isle of Cumbrae into a world of weed, something that could be seen as a political statement (though I doubt it). There have been substantial uses of the website to draw attention to various causes.

Perhaps one of the most outstanding anywhere in the world is found in Aberfeldy. Yes, the Scottish town with a population of only 2000 people is home to one of the most impressive displays.

Printed across the map of the small village are massive transgender flags creating a sea of pink, white and blue. “Why?” you ask – a nearby estate is owned Harry Potter Author, J.K. Rowling. For those oblivious to the story, J.K. Rowling has faced large levels of controversy for her stance on Transgender rights.

Notably, in an open letter, Rowling argued that allowing anyone who identifies as a woman to use single-sex spaces (such as toilets) could pose a danger to other users, suggesting it could put women at risk of sexual violence from male predators who could exploit the policy.

In response to this, W.place users have created a massive pixel petition that stretches from Aberfeldy, down to Glimerton, with what must be thousands of signatures to “ban JKR from every toilet”. Despite being highly informal it does still demonstrate a deep upset with the author’s comments.

Who knew tiny pixels could convey something so significant?

Neil Highlands Singer

Hi, I’m Neil Highlands Singer, a third-year student studying Media and Journalism alongside Social Policy. As Deputy Editor-in-Chief, I get to spend my time working across a range of topics and holding a varied range of responsibilities. This is exciting as I enjoy a range of interests and hobbies outside of Uni, with a special spot for film, sports, and the wider creative industries.