Starting from the hashtag, the artists that created the mural are Jarrod Dortch, Nathaniel Rhodes, Rebecca Robinson, Amiah Mims, Billy Hoodoo, Kevin West, John G. Moore, Jr., Gary Gee, Deonna Craig, Rae Parker, Ess McKee, Wavy Blayne, Harriet Watson, Shane Young, Israel Solomon, Shamira Wilson, Ashley Nora, and Kenneth Hordge. Together, these 18 artists put their own style of street art into the mural which blends the unique culture into a meaningful portrayal of activism. Â
Although each letter displays the artist’s style, they all have some similarities in that they are full of color and consist of sharp geometric shapes. Inside these letters, messages can be found that the artists wanted to announce to the community such as depictions of Michael Taylor, an Indianapolis teenager killed by police in 1987, and “VOTE.†Some artists decided to be more abstract but still included African symbolism that honored their heritage and culture. This mural’s creation followed weeks of protests in Indianapolis following both the murder of George Floyd, as well as the killing of Dreasjon Reed by IMPD, according to IndyStar. Â
After 15 months of being visible on Indiana Avenue, the road that it was painted on was set to be paved over as Indianapolis planned construction for a 2-mile span that included the mural. City officials let each of the artists and close friends spend time with the mural before paving over the road. Additionally, they cut out a square foot of pavement in each character to let the artists keep. Â
While still in existence, the mural was defaced a few times. Vandalism of the mural occurred during the night and splashes of white and gray paint covered the entirety of the mural. Although still legible, the mural was tarnished. Â
Sources:Â Â
Researched by Matt BeckerThere are two other Black Lives Matter street murals around the city of Bloomington that have been painted by different artists. Although these murals are not directed at any specific event in the Bloomington community, they are meant to contribute to the discussion on police brutality and racial inequality in the United States justice system. The local advisory council is thrilled to be involved with local artists focused on racial justice. According to the head of the local advisory council, “When we started this journey, we were mourning the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Now, we watch anxiously as the Chauvin trial is underway; and as if this isn’t enough, we are now grieving the loss of Daunte Wright. Coming together as a community to paint this mural is a powerful action that will also bring a bit of the consolation that we all need.”3 Overall, this street mural is a testament to the changing perceptions of race, authority, and discrimination in America and the importance of artists being activists.
Sources
“Black Lives Matter Street Mural, Bloomington, In.” George Floyd & Anti-Racist Street Art, https://georgefloydstreetart.omeka.net/items/show/3527.