Racism Kills (2022)
A public art response to the trauma of the murder of George Floyd.
Minneapolis, MN, the site of George Floyd’s murder and memorial
Curated by John Hock
Luis Fitch’s billboard was up for three months. Every three months, NE Sculpture Gallery Factory commissions new artists to be funded to create and exhibit public art in response to the trauma of the murder of George Floyd.
In response to the profound trauma stemming from the murder of George Floyd, a powerful public art statement titled “Racism Kills” emerges in Minneapolis, MN. The Social Justice Billboard Project, situated at the intersection of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue South, where George Floyd was tragically killed and memorialized, becomes a platform to elevate BIPOC voices and artwork in the local community.
Luis Fitch, a renowned artist, takes up the mantle of this poignant billboard, which stands tall for three months, capturing the attention and provoking introspection. Commissioned by NE Sculpture Gallery Factory, Fitch’s artwork serves as a compelling response to the pain and injustice that permeate society after George Floyd’s murder.
By harnessing the power of public art, Fitch’s billboard engages viewers in a dialogue centered on the deeply rooted issue of racism. The bold statement, “Racism Kills,” is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that systemic racism inflicts upon individuals, families, and communities. This message reverberates through Fitch’s artistic vision through the Minneapolis streets, demanding collective acknowledgment and action against racial injustice.
The Social Justice Billboard Project embraces a commitment to change and healing by regularly commissioning new artists to create and exhibit public art in response to the trauma of George Floyd’s murder. Each billboard becomes a canvas upon which artists illuminate the path toward social justice and equality.
Standing proudly on the billboard for three months, Fitch’s artwork challenges onlookers to confront the reality of racism and its devastating impact. By bringing this conversation into the public sphere, the billboard art invites viewers to reflect on their role in dismantling systemic oppression and cultivating a more inclusive and equitable society.
In the heart of Minneapolis, where George Floyd’s life was tragically taken, this public art statement is a solemn tribute to his memory and an urgent call to action. Through the combined efforts of artists, activists, and the community, the Social Justice Billboard Project seeks to drive meaningful change, foster empathy, and pave the way for a future where racism no longer claims innocent lives.
