More than two months have passed since George Floyd died under the knee of an American police officer in Minneapolis. As Floyd lost his breath, he cried out “I can’t breathe,” words that have become a rallying cry for many protesting against systemic racism and police brutality.
The protests have resonated in public art throughout the US. Close to Cup Foods, where the killing took place, three artists created a large mural in Floyd’s honour, above. His name is embodied by the protesting masses, while other victims of racist killings are depicted as seeds unable to grow into a sunflower, the centre of which forms a black halo round Floyd. The mural now serves as a symbolic memorial where people offer candles, flowers, and other gifts.
Full story originally published on Prospect Magazine on August 5th, 2020.
