Art In The Time of Black Lives Matter Protest Action

In a time of unprecedented local and international protest action in support of the Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Floyd, artists have been grappling with the harsh realities faced by people of color on a daily basis due to systemic racism and have been moved to create artworks expressing the emotions invoked.

Many have been reflective about what they care about and what they value, and local teenager Makenna Toney, a 2020 Graduate of Dublin High School, subsequently created a moving and powerful painting, "Stop Killing Us". When asked what struck her most about the Black Lives Matter movement Makenna said “As a black woman myself I have always felt the pain and injustice embedded in me by my ancestors. Whenever I see injustice against my people, regardless of whether it's directed at me or someone else, I feel the hurt and pain of that person. Throughout the movement I’ve realized that I’m not the only person who feels it, and I was blown away by the way that people reacted. I was empowered seeing people from all walks of life get up and stand together to fight the injustice of the systematic oppression of my people."

When describing her creative process Makenna explained “When creating this piece I wanted people to feel the magnitude of what they were seeing not just in my art but in the world. When making the piece it was a very draining process and I felt as if I was putting all the pain of the people into the art. There were times where I wanted to stop because it felt so overwhelming, but that was the point of making this - not everything is rainbows and daisies. When you see this piece I wanted people to take into account every aspect of the painting, the size, the colors, the expression in addition to the fact that I couldn’t fit all the names of the people who were wrongfully killed, and it’s a big painting. So when you see the piece I want it to sink in that this isn’t a new issue, and that we are sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

Makenna is one of many local artists moved to create in these eye-opening times. Accomplished Fine Artist and Art Teacher, Andrea McCoy Harvey, created the work “Power to the People”.

“I decided to create a piece of artwork that represents my perspective on what’s happening in the world today. We have been oppressed, the lettering of “people” at the bottom purposely painted with shades in the tones of people that look like me. The letters in the word “Power” inside the arm are building or flowing upward towards the fist, this to me represents uplifting and unity. When we are united great things happen, there is an explosive force that affects the world. The yellow represents the sun, the green represents the land and the explosive red represents the blood and also anger of the people,” said Andrea McCoy Harvey. Her work is currently being exhibited as part of the Liberation, Celebration, & Defiance show that will run through the month of June which is viewable by appointment only.

Even for other artists who are usually not inclined to stray from their usual subject matter, current events have necessitated a change. One such artist is Watercolorist and Graphic Designer, Lorraine Heath Wells, a board member on both the Dublin Arts Collective and the Pleasanton Art League. “Art can be a safe and peaceful retreat, and it can also be used for social comment and change. Political art has not been my thing, but maybe it should be. I find I am part of a white majority who deplores these events in our society, but remain too silent when it comes to making the necessary changes happen” said Lorraine who created the work “What are we planting?”

“I have always loved and embraced the cultural diversity of this country. It is my belief that is what makes our country vibrant and beautiful,” said Lorraine and “ I hope that we have reached the point when white people will no longer stand silent."

“We have not been asked so directly to stand up and make this change in a very long time” said Lorraine, emphasizing that we need to do what we can. She said “ Show your love, compassion, activism, principles and your pain … let's represent what our country stands for through our actions, through our voice and our art.”

Art has been a consistent part of the black empowerment movement throughout its history but for the first time there is the added threat of a global pandemic. Local artist Sawsan Wolski, President of the Dublin Arts Collective, shared her latest work “The Social Distancing Dance” depicting the human struggle of keeping apart during the pandemic against a backdrop of a furious Mother Nature but where the river of life still connects us all and offers hope. The artwork was submitted to a juried exhibition at the de Young Museum called the "The de Young Open".

Photographers have also been capturing and documenting current events like we saw not long ago in the Patch article by Megan Trant. Historian and photographer Rita Szőllős recently captured a display in downtown Livermore. “Works of art often reveal powerful political messages, but this time it’s the reverse,” said Rita, “individually written political messages were staked into the ground and chalked onto the sidewalk, creating a visual expression, like street art. I can only assume these signs were left behind after Livermore’s peaceful protest, and now they serve as a reminder that America’s discourse about racism must continue. This display is located at the corner of First Street and Livermore Ave.”

It is said that art will provide a channel of engagement, empowerment, connection and healing as we move forward and stimulate conversations in our communities.

In response to Makenna’s artwork her Mom, Kristin Longaker Toney said “ Sometimes when I see a piece that Makenna has created I am struck with disbelief. I look at it and think "How did she do that". It is beyond my comprehension. This piece in particular filled me with pride. It's amazing to me, of course, that she can paint the way she does and I know that a large piece like this is particularly challenging. But the deepest pride for me comes from seeing her heart on full display. I am proud of her voice, her conviction and her bravery. It takes guts to put it out there into the world like that.”

“When Makenna was a baby, her Granny would look at her and say she had an old soul,” said Kristin, “Makenna definitely sees the world with more depth and clarity than most of us and she feels deeply. This has caused her great anguish over the years and now that she's found a way to express herself through her art, she's found her voice. She was given a gift and I know she will touch so many souls on her journey. It's a beautiful thing.”

Note: Makenna is looking for a local location to display her 5' by 5' artwork "Stop Killing Us" to increase the impact of her compelling work. Post a comment if you are able to assist her. Instagram @arielles.artworld View the complete interview with Makenna on the Dublin Arts Collective website.