In past posts, we’ve noted the many ways artists speak out through their art-doing. Whether to question or connect us, artists are charged, perhaps now more than ever. And thanks to social media, more and more people can engage with the good work artists do.

For example, to memorialize and respond to the atrocities that ended the life of George Floyd – as well as re-ignite #BlackLivesMatter and speak to the hundreds of years of Black persecution in the United States – visual artists have taken to the streets in the ways they know best. Greta McLain, Xena Goldman, and Cadex Herrera acted by painting a mural at the corner of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue South, the spot where Floyd was arrested. These three artists were assisted by artists Maria Javier, Rachel Breen, Niko Alexander, and Pablo Helmp Hernandez.

Minutes before his death, Floyd managed to muster: “I can’t breathe.” 

Floyd’s last words, “I can’t breathe,” were transformed and the phrase at the center of the mural came later. As stated by one of the muralists:

“The phrase came from an African American community member, Anjel Carpenter, who approached us and asked for it,” McLain said. “She then surveyed the community, asking them if they preferred ‘I can breathe now,’ ‘Let me breathe,’ and one more, and they voted for ‘I can breathe now.’ We asked another member of the community to paint those words in.”

“(Carpenter) expressed to us that the idea of not being able to breathe was fueling so much tension and anger,” McLain continued. “And that now George was with God and it was important for our community healing to claim our breath and ability to breathe.” 

Beyond Minneapolis, many more murals have emerged around the globe.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAxVd7TCZj6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CA42A1OAWSv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAw_vkWqGCP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Visual artists are not the only ones speaking out. Poets, filmmakers, actors, and more are outraged.

https://twitter.com/ava/status/1266522446779174913

Musicians, too, regardless of genre are expressing their frustration, sadness, and empathy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAqlQYFFT8N/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

I want to thank @mcgillab for creating this challenge and it's a pleasure to accept it. Though the pain is so deep, I know above all else: we are strong. We are resilient. This is for everyone mourning right now. #blacklivesmatter #taketwoknees #flute pic.twitter.com/trW7jrNaZz

— Allison Loggins-Hull (@alogginshull) May 29, 2020

The above are just a small sample of the artists who are speaking out against injustice. Let us join them.