The second anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, which was recorded by the brave Darnella Frazier, 17 years old at the time, just passed on May 25th. I had intended to have a portrait of him completed by then, but it has simply required more time. Here is a detail of the piece I am working on.
I am painting this portrait from a collection of photographs that I have found online. They are mostly selfies or photos taken by friends or loved ones.
I am painting him as a friend, as if we are just bumping into each other in the supermarket and saying hello. I chose to include an All Lives Matter tee shirt with a focus on the word “ALL.” He is wearing a hoodie, because I am picturing him as relaxed and comfortable, surrounded by love. The blue background signifies the presence of the police. Here it is not a threat to his life but the protection of his well-being, what it should have been on that terrible day.
It is not my intention to sugarcoat what happened to him in any way, but rather to honor him for the human being he was. His past has been dragged out for all to judge: he used drugs, he did time, as if any of that could ever justify the treatment he received. How well would any of us fare under such scrutiny? It’s good to remember that he was also noted as being friendly, optimistic, in recovery, and for saying “I love you” all the time.
"All Means All"
This is such a moving tribute Colleen to his memory, his humanity. I appreciated the sharing of your thoughtful decisions for each aspect of the piece. 💜💜