Luc Remillard for Martin Désilets
"LA 92"
Montreal, Quebec CAN
c. 2016
This painting represents the revolution that happened in Los Angeles in 1992. The context of this period was a mix of racial, political and economical injustice. Indeed, many young black males were arrested without valid justifications and were harshly repremended for living their life. Poverty was a major problem in the south central neighbouhoods of LA with underfund schools, services and necessities. Moreover, the violence was and is still omnipresent with the gang activities and the systemic racism used by the police forces. This context was put ablaze when a young afro-american named Rodney King was beaten by four police officers almost to death. Although this was caught on video, only one of the four officers were charged with assault and excessive brutality. The verdict was one drop too much and the people took the matter in their own hands and started a revolution. The riots only stopped when the US guard infantry intervened after 5 intense days.
The symbolic of this painting is the union of previously rival gangs, such as the bloods (red) and crips (blue), in a common causewhich is the abolition of the systemic racial system that was gangrenous in the politics and police department of the city of Los Angeles. The fire represents the violence and the rage behind the protestations. The damaged police car is a sign of the brutal change that young black people wanted during this period.
Medium: canvas & acrylic paint.
Dimensions: 48 x 36 inches.
