Phoenix, Arizona – After the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, people from around the globe gathered at the site of his murder to leave behind signs, paintings, and poems as a way to memorialize him and protest against systemic racism. Now, for the first time outside of Minnesota, hundreds of these artifacts are on display at the Arizona State University Art Museum, offering viewers a chance to engage with the powerful protest art and grieve the loss of Floyd and other Black Americans killed by police.
The exhibit, titled “Twin Flames: The George Floyd Uprising from Minneapolis to Phoenix,” showcases around 500 artifacts that were left at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, where Floyd was killed. The collection features paintings, poems, and signs made with paper plates and reused cardboard, all conveying the deep emotional impact of Floyd’s death and the urgency felt by those who felt compelled to express their anger and grief.
The exhibit aims to create a space for understanding and civil discourse, with the goal of stimulating collective action against police violence and other systemic inequities in the U.S. It also serves as a way to examine the history of museums in America, shedding light on the inequities faced by Black Americans and other marginalized communities.
Visitors to the exhibit have been deeply moved, with some expressing the significance of bringing this powerful display to the Phoenix metropolitan area. The exhibit draws direct parallels between Minneapolis and Phoenix, highlighting the history of police violence in Arizona. This is particularly relevant given the fatal shooting of Dion Johnson, a black man, by an Arizona state trooper on the same day that Floyd was murdered.
The exhibit is seen as a reminder that the work towards justice and equity is far from over, serving as a space to confront hard truths and spark ongoing conversations about police violence, racial segregation, and systemic oppression. For family members of George Floyd, the exhibit serves as a poignant reminder of the love and passion that people have poured into honoring his memory.
Similarly, other museums around the country are also addressing themes of police violence and racial injustice. In Louisville, Kentucky, the Speed Art Museum honored the life of Breonna Taylor, who was killed by police officers after they illegally entered her apartment in March 2020. The exhibit emphasized the power of art to spark conversation and action, reflecting the ongoing need for these difficult conversations.