PHOENIX, Arizona – After the tragic death of George Floyd in May 2020, people from all over the world flocked to the site of his murder in Minneapolis, leaving behind signs, paintings, and poems in honor of his memory. Now, hundreds of these poignant artifacts are on display for the first time outside of Minnesota, offering viewers elsewhere the opportunity to engage with the powerful protest art and grieve the loss of Floyd and other Black Americans who were killed by police.
The exhibit, titled “Twin Flames: The George Floyd Uprising from Minneapolis to Phoenix,” features approximately 500 artifacts left at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, the location where Floyd lost his life. As visitors explore the exhibit at the Arizona State University Art Museum, paintings of Floyd and heartfelt poems adorn the walls, while signs bearing messages of justice and calls for change serve as a powerful reminder of the impact of his death.
Leah Hall, a Phoenix resident who visited the exhibit with her two young children, expressed the importance of having a space to acknowledge this significant part of history. “It’s different than seeing it on TV,” she shared. “It’s an important part of history that they are not learning in school.” Hall emphasized that for many, like herself, who were unable to travel to Minneapolis to pay their respects, the exhibit provides a meaningful opportunity to honor Floyd’s life and legacy.
The organizers of the exhibit hope to create a space for understanding and civil discourse, aiming to stimulate collective action against police violence and systemic inequities in the U.S. They believe that the display not only offers a chance for reflection and remembrance but also serves as a platform to examine the role of museums in addressing the injustices faced by Black Americans and other marginalized communities.
The exhibit draws direct parallels between Minneapolis and Phoenix, highlighting the shared history of police violence in both cities. Rashad Shabazz, an Arizona State University professor and board member at ASU’s Center for Work and Democracy, emphasized the significance of bringing the exhibit to Phoenix, a community with its own history of police violence dating back to the early 20th century.
The exhibit, which remains on display until July, aims to keep the conversation about police violence and systemic oppression at the forefront, resonating with visitors far beyond the United States. One visitor, Charm Abella, noted that the issue of racial injustice is not limited to America, recalling protests against police violence that reached around the world.
In addition to the exhibit’s emotional impact, it also prompts considerations about the role of art in sparking conversations and potential action. The concept of using art to address racial segregation and systemic oppression was also reflected in a separate exhibit honoring Breonna Taylor at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky. These efforts, according to museum director Raphaela Platow, underscore the importance of ongoing conversations about the issues communities face.
As visitors and organizers alike reflect on the exhibit’s influence, the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths remains a central theme. The role of art and protest in addressing social and political issues continues to be at the forefront, both in this exhibit and in other similar initiatives around the country.