Tempe, Ariz. – Hundreds of artifacts left at the site of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis are now on display at the Arizona State University Art Museum. This collection of protest art serves as a memorial for Floyd and other Black Americans killed by police.
The exhibit, titled “Twin Flames: The George Floyd Uprising from Minneapolis to Phoenix,” features about 500 artifacts such as paintings, poems, and signs that were left at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, where Floyd was killed. The emotionally charged pieces offer a raw and powerful display of the ongoing movement against systemic racism.
On display at the museum are paintings of Floyd, poems written on poster boards, and signs with messages like “Justice 4 Floyd” and “Enough is Enough.” The exhibit also includes arrangements of fake flowers and battery-powered candles to evoke the vigil held in Minneapolis after Floyd’s death.
For many visitors, the exhibit offers a meaningful and immersive experience, providing a space for understanding and civil discourse on issues like police violence and systemic inequities in the United States.
The organizers of the exhibit hope to stimulate collective action against these issues, emphasizing the importance of confronting hard truths and continuing ongoing conversations about the fight against racial oppression and police violence.
The exhibit also aims to shed light on the history of museums overlooking the inequities faced by Black Americans and other marginalized communities. In addition to serving as a memorial for Floyd, the exhibit draws parallels between Minneapolis and Phoenix, highlighting the history of police violence in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
The emotional impact of the exhibit extends beyond the United States, resonating with visitors from around the world who recognize the global significance of the ongoing movement against racial injustice. Nevertheless, the exhibit serves as a stark reminder that the work is far from over.
As the exhibit continues to make an impact, it remains to be seen whether it will be taken to other cities once it leaves Phoenix in July. Family members of George Floyd, including his aunt Angela Harrelson, have been deeply moved by the exhibit, illustrating the profound impact of the art and the ongoing movement for change.