Jesse James
The nation is protesting in response to the murder of George Floyd and other African-Americans who have been murdered by police officers. While citizens across the country have taken to the streets, Dallas-based artist Jammie Holmes has taken to the skies. The artist has staged aerial demonstrations across five major US cities, aiming to shed light on racism and police brutality further. The planes recently took to the skies while flying transparent banners with several of Floyd’s final words in bold black lettering.
One read “Please I Can’t Breathe” while flying around Detroit. “My Stomach Hurts” was seen in Miami, while “Everything Hurts” was making its way around Los Angeles. Finally, the New York City skies saw “They’re Going to Kill Me.” The artist described the project as “an act of social conscience and protest.”
He spoke with the New York Times about his banners as well. He stated: “I thought this was a better way of getting the message out [than taking action on the ground].” He went on to add, “Or you’ll see something like, ‘Will You Marry Me?’ It’s always controlled by the rich.” Holmes also spoke about his other aim with his art. He said, “With this demonstration, I hope that people across the US will use the outlets available to them to continue to demand change.”
Check out the artist’s website for more information, as well as alongside links to several petitions and organizations that are helping victims of police brutality and protestors. Keep it locked with The Culture Curators for more from the art department coming very soon.
Photos via Jammie Holmes/Library Street Collective
