Aaron Axelrod
American, 1983–
Boy With Skittles, 2015
Installation
36” x 60”
Manifest: Justice (May 2-10, 2015)
Baldwin Hills Theater, Los Angeles, California
Axelrod’s art is known for its unusual focus on “social interaction, psychedelia, and public space.” This installation piece asks viewers to confront the uncomfortable truth about race relations in America. The faceless hooded figure perched above the door frame is reminiscent of Trayvon Martin, whose innocent trip to the convenience store ended in tragedy when a ruthless neighborhood watchman murdered him. Axelrod draws attention to the key details of the piece by using contrasting colors. He also uses strategic placement over the door frame so when viewers walk under it, they can look up and see the piece looking down on them. The downward facing figure and neon halo are used to convey that Trayvon was innocent and undeserving of his fate. Although this particular piece is clearly a tribute to Trayvon, it is also representative of all black youth that have suffered the same tragic fate as him.
Nicole Ward