This past week was a loaded one. Injustice, violence and ignorance, on top of a pandemic craziness that has already become a norm.
Seeing D.C. Mayor Bowser's gesture, honoring peacefully assembled protesters, took my breath away.
The street leading to the White House was painted with huge yellow letters forming the words "Black Lives Matter". It's bold, beautiful, symbolic, and it's there to stay (I hope!). It's a constant reminder of issues we've all ignored for far too long.
That particular section of 16th Street has also been renamed "Black Lives Matter Plaza."
Empty gesture or not, as some might argue, I think this is one hell of a social art piece.
With Its bold yellow color and scale, and its clear direction, this D.C. street mural reminds me of "The Floating Piers" by Christo & Jean Cloade, in a strange timing after Christo sadly passed away this week.
Shimmering yellow fabric, carried by a modular floating dock system, transformed Italy's lake Iseo, and connected Sulzano, Monte Isola and the temporarily framed island of San Paolo, in a 3 kilometres floating walkway.
“Like all our projects,The Floating Piers was absolutely free and open to the public,” said Christo. “There were no tickets, no openings, no reservations and no owners.The Floating Piers were an extension of the street and belonged to everyone.” (Christo +J-C)
A message of equality and freedom, in a powerful artwork.
Black lives Matter.