Creativity Inspired from Events of 2020

What a year it’s been. A year of unexpected changes. A year of “pivoting” in many forms and adapting to the new normal. And a year of expressive artwork advocating for justice and equity on a global scale.

At the start of the new year, I certainly didn’t think toilet paper was going to be on my hard to-find list. Or worry about the more important things in life that we often take for granted, but matter the most. The powerful Black Lives Matter movement created a paradigm shift and it was clear that change needed to happen in many organizations to push for stronger Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.

As artists and creators, we utilize our skills and talents to convey a message to those viewing our work. The events of 2020 have inspired creation of all sorts — from murals in remembrance of the tragic events of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and the advocacy for the Black Lives Matter movement to making DIY face coverings in response to the “mask up” guidelines in this new normal.

The unforeseen events hit America and the globe hard. But what blossomed across the world was creative, meaningful, beautiful, and functional artwork on many levels. Locally, there are numerous examples of this artwork that spawn the city of Los Angeles.

1.Murals created to advocate and honor George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and the Black Lives Matter movement.

From left to right: mural and photo by @sarasandovalart on IG; photo by @hijackart on IG; mural by @ponywave, photo by @impermanent_art on IG. All murals located in Los Angeles, CA.

George Floyd Memorial Artwork. Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN (Photo: Jéan Béller on Unsplash).

A mural in Washington DC depicts a life-saving Black Medic and the slogan Black Lives Matter. (Photo: Obi Onyeador on Unsplash).

2.Art that stopped traffic.

Left: All Black Lives Matter solidarity mural, Hollywood Boulevard. As seen on Twitter @riseandresistny. Right: Sections of Black Lives Matter mural painting on Indiana Avenue, Indianapolis, IN (Photo: Ana Zukova).

“Black Lives Matter Street Mural St. Petersburg Florida” by CityofStPete is licensed with CC BY-ND 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/

3.Custom mask designs in response to the pandemic.

Left: Masks available for purchase at the The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. Right: masks available for purchase on Etsy from MyLittleShopbyJess.

4.Funny Zoom background options and pandemic gifs to make light of 2020.

Image source: https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2020-05-21/Virtual-background-art-The-lockdown-must-have-QD5UrbbTJ6/index.html

Image source: https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2020-05-21/Virtual-background-art-The-lockdown-must-have-QD5UrbbTJ6/index.html

Creativity is born from emotion. Looking back at 2020, it’s been a rollercoaster of a ride with emotions running high and incredible uncertainty. What has come about is the need to take action to create a brighter future. Art can make us think (and feel) deeply, creates a level of human connectedness, can make us laugh, and can most certainly unite us to create change.

Article by Nonette Llabres.

Nonette Llabres is an Art Director for Verizon Media, Illustrator, and is on the AIGA LA Board of Directors for the Content Team.