Street Art in the Wake of Tragedy

Channeling grief through art in Minneapolis

As heads turn, moving from tragedy to tragedy, the corner of Chicago and 38th seems to stand still.

Near the intersection of 38th St E and Chicago Ave S George Floyd died under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer on May 25, 2020.

You know the story, a global movement followed.

Three years later, time is no matter. Visiting the square, you can feel the power of grief. The mourning of an entire community.

Not only do you see people bidding adieu to George — the entire block is an artistic monument for those who have passed, land stolen, and hope for change.

Some are angry, some are just sad. It’s a heavy place to be.

You have maybe seen this mural — the face of the memorial, commemorating George Floyd as well as Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor, Philando Castile, Tamir Rice. It’s not only a testament to Minneapolis, it’s a shout out to the casualties of an institution.

Why the term for people killed has the word “casual” in it? It’s curious.

Raised Fists are found throughout the square — shouting rebellion, resistance, unity. It’s a universal gesture.

Not long ago, I snapped street art in Barcelona with a spin on the raised fist.

Every bench, every storefront, every sidewalk is covered with portraits, statements, etchings, testaments.

Messages of Rest in Peace, peace changed to power. We bleed the same. Say their names. Black Lives Matter. It feels odd to be a white-identifying person in this space. It feels hypocritical. That’s my own personal identity journey though.

There’s the saying — “no one knew the revolution would start in Minneapolis, except Prince.”

Being in Minneapolis, you can’t help but happen upon Prince murals. He’s everywhere. He’s Minneapolis.

I don’t have any snapshots of the Prince tributes in my photo feed. But I did go to his city memorial, all-night dance parties at First Avenue the weekend he passed.

Prince captures the music scene in Minneapolis. He started something. There’s access for creators here. Musicians like Lizzo and Prince credit the city to their fame.

I no longer live in Minneapolis, and I am not native here either. But as I return, there’s a certain buzz about the streets. There’s vibrant color in the buildings and parks, there’s an edge too. It’s like my 10th grade stint with Rancid and Operation Ivy — no longer polite. No longer “Minnesota Nice.” The cultural weight has increased.

The artists, the activists, the mourners have made their point.

Thanks for reading my take on Minneapolis, a city chock-full of vision and voice through street art.

Street Art is the August monthly challenge for the Globetrotters publication. Thank you to our editors for their constant editing, publishing, and support: JoAnn Ryan, Adrienne Beaumont, Jillian Amatt - Artistic Voyages, Michele Maize, and Anne Bonfert.

I have some favorites for this challenge, please show them some love!

Mario López-Goicoechea can do no wrong in my humble opinion. I loved their hyper-focused view of street art in London:

I’m also into Tim Ward, Mature Flâneur and their eye for street art in New Zealand: