FEATURES • LOVE, JUSTICE & ART
STORY & PHOTOS BY GRACE WIDYATMADJA THE pursuit for justice in the midst of a global pandemic has led many artists to find solace and support in their creative works. In the heart of downtown Long Beach, artists have come together to bring life to the boarded up windows of the Long Beach Museum of Art, expressing a commitment to unity, solidarity, and justice for Black lives. These photos were taken with a disposable Kodak film camera, and all of these pieces can be found at the Long Beach Museum of Art Exchange at 356 E. Third St., in downtown Long Beach.
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STEVE MARTINEZ @stevemartinezart
In his piece, Martinez acknowledges that the world currently faces two pandemics: Covid-19 and racism. The quote “I can’t breathe” comes from George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by Minneapolis police officers back in May. The police officers were seen kneeling on Floyd’s neck and body for eight minutes and 46 seconds, leading to his inability to breathe. The powerful image of the Black fist holding the mask recognizes that the fight to contain the coronavirus is fought alongside the call to end racism, both of which are taking the most harmful toll against BIPOC.
