Temporary Moments
Public art confronts us in our everyday environment. It is a reflection of the times we live in and a critique on our society.
Currently, this project focuses on the events that unfolded in Seattle, WA from the stay at home order through the racial justice protests in 2020. Artists painted across boarded up buildings to express the raw emotions of the community. Their messages throughout the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement resonate with us.
Nothing is more permanent than the temporary — A.E. Stallings
On February 29, 2020, Gov. Jay Inslee declared a State of Emergency just days after the first two known U.S. COVID-19 deaths. State agencies were to use all resources necessary to prepare for and respond to the outbreak. Slowing the spread of the virus became the top priority.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
COVID-19 most commonly spreads between people who are in close contact with one another through respiratory droplets or small particles. Avoid exposure to the virus or spreading it by practicing social distancing (6 feet apart, 2 arm lengths), wearing a mask, and washing hands.
(middle) We cannot wait to see you again!
(right) Stand six steps back and promise you love me
@oddfellowscafe @stacy_milrany_art @ben_busy @sadgrrlz
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
On March 23, 2020, Inslee announced a Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Everyone was required to stay home unless they needed to pursue an essential activity. Gatherings were banned and nonessential businesses were shut down.
@mollymoonicecream @morgan_smile @morgansmile_designs
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Restaurants were allowed to offer take-out and delivery services but no in-person dining.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Before those temporary murals across the intersection, this rainbow crosswalk represents the LGBTQ+ community and is a symbol of pride. In 2013, DIY rainbow crossings started as a protest movement in Sydney. Seattle has and continues to maintain these crosswalks spanning 11th Ave and Pike/Pine.
"Being born gay, Black, and female is not a revolutionary act. Being proud to be gay, Black and female is." — Lena Waith during her speech at Essence's Black Women in Hollywood event.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
With increased time at home, people picked up new and old hobbies to spend their time. Puzzles were flying off of the shelves and selling out online.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Hair salons and barbers closed due to the pandemic prompting some at-home quarantine haircuts. People are also experimenting with growing a mustache, shaving their head, cutting bangs, dyeing their hair, or growing a man bun.
@paint_2_change @emersonsalon @seattlecoffeeworks
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
May Day. The record high unemployment rates due to COVID, delays in unemployment payments, unclear eviction bans, and pending rent threaten food and shelter for many. Neighborhoods in Seattle petitioned a rent strike to put pressure on landlords and politicians for a statewide suspension of rent, mortgage, and utility payments.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Zoom, a video conferencing service, gained popularity during the pandemic to keep up with friends and family or to have staff meetings. The interface was relatively intuitive and logins weren't required to join meetings.
Throughout the pandemic many have had zoom birthdays, happy hours, and even weddings!
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Although concerts and other live performances were postponed or cancelled, live streams rose as an alternative performance space. Viewers can engage through commenting and reacting. The artist can interact with their audience and have a human connection.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
In June 2020, restaurants and bars in Seattle were allowed to reopen with limited capacity and with guidelines from the Washington Department of Health. The CDC also released its guiding principles for restaurants and bars.
@morgan_smile @morgansmile_designs #keepsmilingseattle @samstavern
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Mental illness rates sharply increased in 2020. They have been on an upward trend over the last few years. People who screened with moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety or depression noted that they were struggling most with loneliness and isolation. Rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation rates are rising amongst adults and are the highest among youth.
Read more on the state of mental health in America on Mental Health America.
@purebonaventure @overallcreative @comet_tavern
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Mindfulness meditation is a way to help cope with stress. It has gained popularity globally with 200-500 million people practicing. The majority of people meditate to improve their overall wellbeing. Relieving anxiety and stress or improving heart health are other reasons to start practicing.
(left) It's okay to slow down #keepsmilingseattle @morgan_smile @morgansmile_designs
(right) Press to reboot society
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
As we walked through Pioneer Square we encountered murals in varying stages of progress. Seattle's skyline is always changing with new construction.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Boarded up buildings became blank canvas for local artists to fill.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
"Take your time! Hang in there!", a reminder to take time and move slowly like a sloth.
@caseyweldon @alexanderhalladay @lordego1 @creativitythatconnects
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
@caseyweldon @alexanderhalladay @lordego1 @creativitythatconnects
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Emergency Medical Services (EMS), 911, health care workers, and other public safety professionals play a vital role in the response to COVID-19 on the frontlines.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
This is temporary.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
My wife's the reason anything gets done
She nudges me towards promise by degrees
She is a perfect symphony of one
Our son is her most beautiful reprise.
We chase the melodies that seem to find us
Until they're finished songs and start to play
When senseless acts of tragedy remind us
That nothing here is promised, not one day.
This show is proof that history remembers
We lived through times when hate and fear seemed stronger;
We rise and fall and light from dying embers, remembrances that hope and love last longer
And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love cannot be killed or swept aside. I sing Vanessa's symphony, Eliza tells her story
Now fill the world with music, love and pride.Love Sonnet by Lin-Manuel Miranda at the Tony Awards 2016 as he accepted his award for Best Score with Hamilton.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
One World: Together at Home was a series of benefit concerts artists held over Instagram Live in their own home. It was held in support of the World Health Organization and to promote social distancing while gathering together for a live chill concert. #TogetherAtHome
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Independent book stores closed their doors as COVID-19 forced non-essential businesses to close. Readers have shifted online for books and looked for ways to support their local bookstores.
"A book is a dream that you hold in your hands" — Neil Gaiman
@purebonaventure @arundelbooks
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
A series of non sequi-doors.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
"If you can't go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does." — Margaret Atwood, The Penelopiad.
In our emergent reality, complexity and uncertainty are ever flowing. With this in mind, everyone has agency and can respond with agility.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
We stopped by this mural while it was in progress. It embodied hope as a certainty during these uncertain times. We needed that these days. The subsequent images of this mural are captioned by poems or short messages to remind us to keep on dreaming.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Gnight.
Nothing's promised.
Dream anyway.
Nothing's certain.
Dream anyway.
Everything is possible.
Dream anyway.
Vamos vamos vamos
Tweet by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda is an award-winning composer, lyricist, and actor. He is the creator of In the Heights and Hamilton. He is an artist and an activist. He tweets bookends to the day good morning and good night. These lil pep talks have made their way into our hearts and into a book called Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for Me & You by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
"For many months, we've been teased, even derided for talking about hope. But we always knew that hope is not blind optimism. It's not ignoring the enormity of the tasks ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path.
It's not sitting on the sidelines or shirking from a fight. Hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it and to work for it and to fight for it."— Barack Obama, then senator, from his address to supporters after the Iowa Caucuses in 2008.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Song lyrics from Imagine by John Lennon
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
_Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow._
Dreams by Langston Hughes. Langston Hughes was an American writer who wrote about the Black experience during the Harlem Renaissance.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Car traffic across the country decreased ~40% during the pandemic as people work from home and unemployment rates skyrocket. However, some cities are seeing minimal decrease in air pollution where their dominant sources of pollution include factories, refineries, power plants, and diesel trucks.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Let's take a break!
Cats love boxes of all shapes and sizes. Cardboard boxes are comforting and provides security. It helps them relieve stress and anxiety. Additionally, boxes are fun. The following is a video two adorable cats and a cardboard box. Kagami mochi box and Maru&Hana
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Keep going. Keep growing.
Despina Vapheas @sweetlikedezi
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Life is tough, but so are you.
Despina Vapheas @sweetlikedezi
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Nothing changes if nothing changes.
Despina Vapheas @sweetlikedezi
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Keep going. Keep growing. Life is tough, but so are you. Nothing changes if nothing changes.
Despina Vapheas @sweetlikedezi
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Spring is usually a time to see flowers in bloom. This year, flower festivals and other large public gatherings across the globe were cancelled to limit the spread of COVID-19. In Japan, over a hundred thousand flowers were cut after people continued to visit the fields.
Just north of Seattle, the 300 acres of beautiful tulips in Skagit Valley attracts more than a million visitors every April. Although the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival was cancelled this year, there are virtual tours and other ways to support farmers.
@josephinerice.flower @cinnaholicseattle @capitolcider
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Leave a word, take a turn. Markers were set aside for participation. 24 hours later, it was filled with voices from the community.
@hellafragile @laurasullivancassidy @lostlakecafe
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man was killed by Minneapolis police officers while being arrested for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. He pleaded "I can't breathe," as a police officer pressed his knee into his neck.
In 2014, Eric Garner, an unarmed Black man, was killed in a chokehold by New York City Police. "I can't breathe," were his dying words. These words continue through worldwide protests against police brutality and lack of police accountability.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
In Seattle, the George Floyd police brutality protests started on May 29, 2020. Protestors marched and staged sit-ins throughout the city. They spoke against systemic racism and police brutality.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
No good cops
No bad protesters
No Justice
No peace
You are now entering free capital hill
In first week of June 2020, there were escalating tense interactions between protestors and the Seattle Police Department (SPD). SPD, in full riot gear, used aggressive dispersal tactics on protestors. They used blast balls, flash bangs, pepper spray, and tear gas to control the crowds.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
On the night of June 7th 2020, a man drove a car into the crowd and shot a protestor. He walked past the police barricade and toward the police. They didn't fire off any tear gas, flash bombs, or rubber bullets at him even though he just shot a civilian. The victim was treated by protestors until medics arrived.
Later that night, SPD used tear gas to control the protestors despite the mayor's ban just days prior. They tweeted that the crowd threw rocks, bottles, and fireworks. The next morning the police boarded up and moved out of the East Precinct in an effort to de-escalate the situation. Protesters moved into the zone to begin the occupational protest.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
The Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) was an occupational protest and self-declared autonomous zone in Capitol Hill. It encompassed six city blocks and Cal Anderson Park surrounding Seattle Police Department's East Precinct building. It would later be known as the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest (CHOP).
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
"You have the right to remain heard" is an ironic nod to the Miranda rights while not forgetting the excessive use of police force historically against Black Americans. During interactions wherein the victim posed little to no threat to police officers, Black Americans were three times more likely to be shot and killed by the police officers.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Listed are the demands made by CHAZ/CHOP protestors.
The People Demand
1. Defund SPD
2. Fund Community Health & Safety
3. Drop All Charges Against Protestors
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Defunding the police proposes to reduce and redistribute the police budget towards essential underfunded social services.
"Police budgets continue to be consistent across diverse geographies and cities in the United States, with up to 20% to 45% of discretionary funds allocated to the violent system. All of the police budgets analyzed in the Freedom to Thrive Report have increased since FY17." (Source: The Center for Popular Democracy)
Crime reduction is difficult to do without addressing problems stemming from chronic poverty. Homeless shelters, workforce development programs, schools, hospitals, food pantries, and community centers have a significant impact on reducing crime rate and increasing safety. They provide support for people and services in marginalized communities.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
In this ongoing series of police brutality protests, protestors have been charged with felonies and misdemeanors including violating curfew, trespassing, vandalism, property destruction, theft, and unlawful assembly. An arrest or minor charge can have significant consequences that ripple through a person's life.
These protestors should be celebrated for their courage and forgiven their civil disobedience—not prosecuted. In 2006, the Rosa Parks Act was passed to clear the arrest records from those considered law-breakers during the Montgomery bus boycott of civil disobedience charges. That boycott resulted in the Supreme Court ruling segregation on public buses unconstitutional. It was a significant step towards civil rights and transit equality.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
The victims of police brutality are marching in this poster. Their stories are memorialized and continue to be shared. We will march forward on their behalf.
The print is available online to download and distribute.
Instagram Post by @steveespopowers. Printed and posted by @onegrandgallery
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Artists are using stencil graffiti to provide political commentary, protest, and to criticize our society. Stencil graffiti is an effective technique to quickly spray artwork up and replicate.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
"Fuck SPD", "Fuck 12" and "Fuck the Police" were spray painted all across the CHAZ/CHOP zone in response to the excessive use of force by SPD. "Fuck the Police" originates from "Fuck tha Police", a protest song by N.W.A in 1988, that protests police brutality and racial profiling.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
A.C.A.B. (All Cops are Bastards) was also graffitied throughout the zone. The sentiment of the statement is that every police officer is part of a system that actively oppresses people of color.
What I mean when I say I want to abolish the police
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
The Black power fist salute represents Black pride and solidarity. The BLM movement adopted this symbol after the death of Michael Brown. The unarmed Black teenager was shot dead by police in Missouri in 2014.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
"I swore an oath to defend our constitution against all enemies foreign and God damned domestic. Three generations of my family have served for this god damned county. Ever since we've been allowed to pick up arms someone in my family has fuckin' served... It's about God damn time America realized who the fuck I am... I'm motherfuckin' Black and I'm motherfuckin' proud." quote by Aubrey Rose, a proud Black retired army staff sergeant.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
This van is graffitied with raw emotions throughout these BLM protests. There are names of those who have lost their lives. There is the condemnation of the police system. There are words of love. There is hurt.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Amanda Gorman uses her poetry and writing as tools for activism. Her work focuses on issues of oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization.
During the pandemic, she offers words of hope and understanding. Listen more at Here & Now from Boston's NPR News Station (WBUR).
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Let Equality Bloom was created for the Women's March on Washington. It was a way to say thank you to all of the women who have fought for our right to vote. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude. They fought so that we are no longer second class citizens and because women's rights are human rights. This piece was about celebrating the beauty of those women. — Brooke Fischer
@brookefischerart @creativeactionnetwork
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
The Pan-African flag is a horizontal triband with red, black, and green stripes. It represents unity among the African diaspora. It is an emblem of Black pride and symbolizes Black liberation.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
The killing of George Floyd is part of a long line of incidents of excessive police misconduct with qualified immunity. Qualified immunity is a Supreme Court doctrine that shields government officials from liability for misconduct, even if rights are violated, unless there is a clearly established law from a prior case with the same consequences.
Christopher J. Davis, was shot and killed by a Walworth County deputy who fired into a moving vehicle when deadly force was not appropriate or necessary. The U.S. 7th District Court of Appeals in Chicago decided that the deputy was covered under qualified immunity.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
This is the memorial made for George Floyd and others who have died in subsequent protests for BLM. There are messages of love, of the change we wish to see, and of memories respecting those who have died. Candles were lit to show solidarity and celebrate the lives of those who have lost theirs.
"Mourn for the dead and fight like hell for the living," is a quote by Mary Harris Jones, a female labor activist who helped establish the Industrial Workers of the World.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Eltana, a Montreal-style wood-fired bagel cafe, was in the heart of CHOP. It is located at the intersection of 12th and Pine directly across the East Precinct of the Seattle Police Department.
They supported CHOP as a step towards systemic change. In the morning, they'd bring out bagels to the No Cop Co-Op, a free food distribution station set up inside of CHOP. They gave half a dozen free bagels to customers if they donated $25+ to any racial justice organization or dined at a Black-owned restaurant in the city with a receipt. Anyone who walked in and said that they're hungry for justice got a free bagel and spread.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Local artists collaborated to create a Black Lives Matter Street Mural on East Pine Street between 10th and 11th.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Also check out this overhead view of the Black Lives Matter street mural.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Art Vault is a local non-profit organization that provides free art materials to BIPOC creatives.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Black culture deserves to be celebrated and what better way to do that than through game. For The Culture was created to test you on current knowledge but will also allow you to discover facets of the culture you've never encountered before. — For the Culture
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
"You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worth of love and belonging." — Brené Brown, author of Daring Greatly.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
The homeless are one of the most susceptible and vulnerable to the pandemic. A high percentage of the homelessness population are older adults and/or have pre-existing conditions. They have significant barriers to self-care and hygiene. Crowded conditions also ease the spread of airborne infections. Many of the recommendations to prevent COVID are difficult for the homeless to execute.
Homeless shelters are grappling with COVID safety as winter approaches. The homeless population is increasing and has grown by 22% over the last five years. The great need for shelter supasses the limited system resources. To mitigate this effect, some cities have set up emergency shelters in unused public school buildings and hotels.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
In this city, we believe: Black Lives Matter, women's rights are human rights, no human is illegal, science is real, water is life, in religious freedom, love is love, kindness is everything.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Graffiti reflected on the Lincoln Reservoir at Cal Anderson Park during CHAZ/CHOP.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
"Human rights start with recognizing the importance of every individual. Peace starts from fostering friendship with others." quote by Daisaku Ikeda, a peacebuilding, Buddihist philosopher, educator, author, and poet.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Various artists came together to create this wall of love and solidarity in these trying times. Located at 2nd and Yesler Way.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
The phrase, "to carry the weight of the world on one's shoulders," is derived from the Greek Myth wherein Altas, a Titan, bore the weight of the heavens on his shoulders.
Health care workers are experiencing rising levels of burnout, anxiety, and stress. The shortage of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) puts their patients and themselves at risk. PPE is not intended to be reused. Delayed test turnarounds are preventing the US from effectively containing the virus through the strategy of testing, tracing, and isolating. In addition, protocol changes about COVID-19 were not clearly communicated.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Stay safe love. Love is the way.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
We are a proud Black woman owned business #poc #queerrun #blm
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
In a celebration of Black voices, the titles in this mural are recommendations of books by Black authors to add to your reading list. So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo guides readers of all races to have honest conversations about race and racism. I would also recommend You Belong by Sebene Selassie and The Mindful Athlete by George Mumford.
@thesetemporarymoments @seattleacademy
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
The cries for justice must be louder than the attempts to suppress them.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Together, we are strong.
@baileehiatt @creativityinacan @urbanartworks @paint_2_change
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Opt for love.
@baileehiatt @creativityinacan @urbanartworks @paint_2_change
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Protect our elders. Elders and the immunocompromised are at higher risk for getting severely ill from COVID-19.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Black Lives Matter
None of us are free until all of us are free
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
"It always seems impossible until it's done" — Nelson Mandela
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
"Tomorrow's world is yours to build" — Yuri Kochiyama
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
"Anyway I don't think we can rely on governments, regardless of who is in power, to do the work that only mass movements can do." — Angela Y. Davis. She is a political activist, educator, and author who advocates for gender equity, prison reform, and alliances across color lines.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Listen to Unwritten Rules by skoodupcam
Jus some unwritten rules my mom makes me follow as a young Black man #fyp @blacklivesmatter — Cameron Welch
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
"Let nothing dim the light the shines from within" — Maya Angelou
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
"Hands up, don't shoot" is a slogan and gesture (hands in the air) that originated after the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri on August 9, 2014.
The surrounding border are names of Black victims of police brutality that have also sparked outrage. Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Manuel Ellis, Philando Catile, Charleena Lyles, Eric Garner, Bettie Jones, Tamir Rice, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Painted are notable Black female scientists whose work have revolutionized our lives. Katherine Johnson calculated trajectories for the first moon landing. Dr. Gladys West developed models which led to the invention of GPS. Dr. Jane C. Wright revolutionized techniques for chemotherapy.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
"Love can not be broken," an affirmation and reminder that we are loved and are capable of love.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Fly away with me.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Amid the pandemic, panic and fear have manifested in deplorable acts of bigotry, racism and xenophobia. Dismantling racism is our collective effort. We must demand real reform and justice.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Referring to COVID-19 as the China virus, Wuhan virus, or the like, promotes othering and stigmatization. The increase in racist rhetoric coincides with increases in racial attacks, violent bullying, threats, racial abuse, and discrimination. It has exacerbated social stigma, national insecurity, and fear of foreigners. COVID-19 is a public health crisis not a racial matter.
By August 2020, the STOP AAPI HATE Reporting Center received over 2,500 reports of incidents of racism, hate speech, discrimination, and physical attacks against Asians and Asian Americans nationwide. Read report releases here.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Back in March 2020, Jade Garden, a dim sum restaurant in the International District of Seattle, boarded up their windows with plywood after a window was vandalized. It remained open for takeout and delivery. Local artists painted murals to help attract customers and beautify the exterior.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Restaurants and other businesses around Seattle looked for help in beautifying their boarded up storefronts. Keoke Silvano, photographer, has been helping to organize other efforts to create mural art for these temporary canvases.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
The Asian American Response to Black Lives Matter Is Part of a Long, Complicated History
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Standing in solidarity with Black Lives Matter.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Black Lives Matter translated into Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Korean.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Lokomaika'i: Always act with kindness
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Ohana is a Hawaiian term that means family.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Portraits of generations
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Float on.
@thechaoticaquatic
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
New systems grow...
@mari.shibuya @vk.signs @overallcreative
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
if we tend to them
@mari.shibuya @vk.signs @overallcreative
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
@bokabokfriedchicken @therunawayseattle
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Ten Percent Happier: Coronavirus Sanity Guide
May we all be happy
May we all be safe
May we all be healthy
May we all live with ease
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
The year of 2020 has certainly been a lot to learn from. Into 2021 we go.
Photo: Temporary Moments / Ellen Duong and Angela Schwartz
Thank you
We are interested in expanding this project to include more temporary public art created during this time. We would also appreciate help in giving credit to all the artists.