​​​​​​​Susan Evans Grove

"Strike Zone", 2020

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On May 25, 2020 Officer Derek Chauvin held his knee on the neck of George Floyd for eight minutes, killing him while horrified bystanders watched and fellow officers stood by doing nothing. The following day protests against ongoing systemic racism and police brutality against people of color  began in Minneapolis and spread to 2,000 cities and towns in 60 countries. These protests went on into the summer months during the COVID-19 pandemic. While there were reports of widespread looting and violence during these protests, the Washington Post reported that, by the end of June, 96.3% of these demonstrations were peaceful and lawful. The inception of citizen journalism, starting perhaps with the Rodney King beating, has shed a light on the need for reform in police forces throughout the United States. The question remains how many people of color were beaten and killed when the cameras were NOT there to record.

 

"Strike Zone" This piece is made from parts of deconstructed baseball trophies with custom plaques added to representing the names of the states where protests took place in the U.S. The piece measures 14” tall x 5.5” wide x 3.5” deep. The "strike zone" in baseball is the area above home plate where strikes are called. The pitch must be over home plate, above the batter’s knees, and below the middle of the torso.