Pia Larsen
Pia Larsen
George Floyd—resonance 2020-21
etching and ink on laser-cut paper; unique print
Courtesy of the artist
Artist statement:
Language is fundamental to the recording and communication of seismic events such as George Floyd’s murder in May 2020. He died after being handcuffed and pinned to the ground by an officer’s knee for more than nine minutes. The work depicts an upside-down head rendered in gestural etched marks, suspended above the urban terrain; eyes, mouth and tongue contorted in pain. George Floyd’s last words and heartfelt pleas for mercy were recorded by brave onlooker Darnella Frazier, and Frazier posted her recording because she believed the world needed to know.
The words form a central body of laser-cut apertures that constitute a banner. Their impact resonates in the projected shadow illuminating the text on the wall behind. The dirty pink swirls on the reverse side of the work symbolise the pooled blood of George Floyd and all black Americans killed with impunity through history.