Protest and Fire

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Protest and Fire

Carl E. Moore

2021

Acrylic on canvas

Using saturated colors and interconnecting outlines, Carl E. Moore unites the work’s two subjects: a pair of figures and a large fire. The figure on the left presses her hands to her cheeks in a moment of intense emotion. The megaphone in the hands of the figure on the right establishes the setting as a protest, but he holds it to his side, entirely engaged by the sight in front of him. The year 2020 saw a resurgence of protests in response to law enforcement’s continued mistreatment and abuse of people of color. As the painting demonstrates, incidents of civil unrest can sometimes result in destructive events like fires, whether accidental or intentional. However, it is important to note that The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project found that from May 24 to August 22, 2020, 93% of protests associated with the Black Lives Matter movement were peaceful and non-destructive.

Protest and Fire