LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A large, impressive mural of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd now graces the wall of an art studio in Louisville’s Phoenix Hill neighborhood.
Louisville sculptor Ed Hamilton, who has owned the historic building on S. Shelby St. since 1978, knew he wanted to honor the lives of Taylor and Floyd who were both killed by police. Hamilton knew of the work and talent of artist Damon Thompson, who created a mural of Prince across the street from Hamilton’s studio. So, he asked Thompson to work on the mural of Taylor and Floyd.
Thompson worked from photos of them to create the murals. He said he wanted them to look real, like they were looking at the viewer.
“They're unflinching. Eyes are locked. They might not be with us anymore, but they are with us,” Thompson said.
Thompson finished the mural in a matter of days. It is now complete and can be viewed at 543 S. Shelby St.