For George, 2020
Israel Solomon
Original Location: 342 Massachusetts Avenue
I wanted to paint George Floyd in a way everyone could relate to. I presented him as a baby because everyone is someone’s child; as a man, because everyone is an individual; and as a father, because most adults are parents. I’m proud to highlight the unjust treatment of Black people in America. I want to see a better world for my children.
Artist Bio
Israel Solomon is a visual artist with a studio practice based in the Indianapolis area. Visual art has been a primary means of expression for him throughout his life. Israel started drawing as a child, finding it easier to express his thoughts and feelings through creativity. He took art classes in high school and obtained a degree in art education from Ball State University in 2003. He went on to teach middle school art, creating a curriculum focused on the foundations of visual art such as drawing and painting techniques.
Israel’s professional career as an artist did not begin until later in adulthood when he decided to focus intensely as a creative. He plans to continue his development as an artist and to create works that are personal to his experiences, but that others can connect with. Israel’s work has been shown in various venues across Indy such as at BUTTER art fair, Indianapolis Arts Garden, Indiana Black Expo, and Garfield Park Arts Center. He has also worked with Major League Soccer’s Juneteenth Celebration 2021, assisted with the curation of an exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and created artwork for Starbucks.