Go back to the origins…

A new image of Canon discovers that the Europeans today are reluctant to technology and modern lifestyle and yearn to "go back to the origins"
The lack of images "traditional" suggests a break and the web images Canon still open to partnerships

  Results of a psychological report…

Canon Europe, world leader in imaging solutions, has published the results of a psychological report which has discovered that despite the growing number of Europeans who live in towns and cities, the average European yearns a lifestyle more rural and quiet. The report, commissioned by Canon as part of its campaign We Speak Image, analyzed more than 13,000 images taken by the European public to show their national identity.

 17 participating countries…

The images on nature and the environment by far exceeded those focused on technology and urban life, this issue about the nature of the industry has been common in 17 participating countries The psychologist Dr David Lewis says: "The emphasis on the beauty of nature suggests that a growing number of Europeans want a rural lifestyle, simpler, perhaps as they enjoyed their parents or grandparents." The report also reveals an almost total absence of traditional images, such as flags, national monuments and landmarks.. "The surprising lack of state symbols suggests that Europe, at least as presented in these images, should have abandoned many of the nationalist attitudes that led to two world wars," explains Dr. Lewis.

But despite this common ground, national identities were evident among countries:

  Czech Republic - a nation with an ambiguity between the present and future§

France - A sophisticated and civilized nation that infuses creativity and style to almost every aspect of life.ž

Spain - A nation with great style, but under the public optimism and security lies a vision of melancholy life. The images reveal that Spain is a country that pays great attention to detail and a great gift for innovation. The images of photographers Spaniards give priority to people over the architecture or landscapes. The occasional use of black and white and marked shortage of primary colors created a strong tone shade higher than that seen in other parts of southern Europe.

Germany -A nation confident, secure and optimistic, you are looking to build their future carefully and safely.

Italy - A country vibrant, passionate and sensual whose citizens enjoy all facets of life, living to the fullest.

UK and Ireland  -  generally secure and optimistic about their place in the world, with a slight nostalgia for bygone days, but still retains its core values of decency, tolerance and determination.

Russia - country in transition, pushed in different directions between a yearning for times past and a desire for the benefits and pleasures of the modern world.

James Leipnik, Director of Communications and Corporate Relations at Canon Europe says, "It's a fascinating introduction in the hearts and minds of Europeans. What is most interesting is that despite our many different languages, yet we are able to communicate? Universally and the instant-through the power of the image. We are waiting impatiently for the next phase of the project which will see the images inspire fashion designers Europe's most important and hold Europe's cultural diversity and its sense of style. "

The websites are still open for contributions (www.canon-europe.com/wespeakimage) and Canon encourages the public to seize the last chance to be part of this exciting campaign. For each image loaded, Canon will make a donation to Red Cross in Europe.