Quilt (Untitled)

With portraits of George Floyd, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, and Breonna Taylor, this currently untitled quilt is a personal meditation on the deep-rooted injustice and racism in America, as well as a memorial to those victimized by America’s refusal to right the wrongs of those who came before us. Primarily focused on corrupt leadership and systems of policing, this quilt addresses only a fraction of the consequences resulting from maintaining flawed systems.

For political and historical context it is important to note a few things. First, the system of policing in America was started in order to capture runaway slaves and later to enforce Jim Crow laws. While no longer explicitly targeting black and brown communities, the police force has retained the violence and white supremacy it was founded on. The second thing to note is the Geneva Convention bans the use of tear gas in warfare, but it is still permitted for use to disperse riots in America. On June 2nd, 2020 President Trump allowed and supported the use of tear gas on peaceful protestors in Lafayette Square. As military police assaulted protestors with use of force and tear gas, Trump gave a speech stating he is an "ally to peaceful protestors." This is one of countless examples where the American government and its leaders have silenced and violated the rights of individuals demanding justice.