The Artivist Portrait Project: Portraits of Resistance and Resilience

The Artivist Portrait Project is a photographic series born during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020 and 2021 in Oakland, California. This work captures the transformative power of art and activism in the wake of George Floyd's murder—a moment when the community rose to confront systemic injustice while navigating the challenges of a global pandemic.

After the first protest, artists turned boarded-up storefronts into vibrant murals, expressing solidarity, resistance, and unity. Recognizing the impermanence of these works, I sought to document the art and the people behind it—activists and artists who embodied the movement. Each portrait in the series positions the subject within a mural they created or selected, visually intertwining their identity with the message of resistance.

This series is more than documentation; it is a collaboration. Participants contributed a personal statement, offering insights into their motivations and experiences. Their words reflect the urgency of the moment, the strength of collective action, and the necessity of representation. Together, these images and statements challenge the narratives perpetuated by the Trump administration and segments of the media that vilified protesters, instead showcasing their humanity, creativity, and resolve.

At its core, The Artivist Portrait Project is a counternarrative that celebrates the resilience and beauty of the protest movement. It honors those who risked their safety to fight for justice while preserving the temporary power of the murals that transformed Oakland's streets into symbols of hope. Through these portraits and stories, the project reminds us that art and activism remain enduring forces for change, even in times of fear and uncertainty.

"My position in the movement is to amplify the voices of the oppressed. Whether it's through art, legislation, or crowdfunding, I will continue to provide platforms for my people to stand on and yell.

It is important to note that I said amplify and not represent.

In a system built to do exactly what it's doing today, oppressed communities were forced to create laws and practices to protect themselves. Communities know what they need, they know what will help its residents thrive. Corporate businesses and outsiders love to display their savior complexes by swooping in and telling residents what they need. As well as advocating for the problems I face I will work tirelessly to provide communities across the diaspora with the proper tools to build the beautiful blueprints they have already created themselves." – Jacqueline

"This mural represents my family's multi-generational roots in the Fruitvale District, my maternal lineage's migration to the states from Mexico, and paternal lineage's migration from Alabama. How my great grandfather played a role in constructing the 580 freeway and railroads surrounding the area, how he participated in UFW movements during his time picking fruit and cotton in fields, and was able to move our family to Fruitvale Avenue years ago. It reminds me of the movements my tios and tias were a part of as youth at Fremont High School, how my Nana supported the BPP's Breakfast Programs during her time at Merritt College and why my mom has been teaching at Fruitvale Elementary for the past 26 years.

My love for community, decolonization, and ancestral knowledge is the reason why I am passionate about organizing. It is why my friends and I participated in resistance throughout high school in the forms of performance art, demonstrations, educating other youth about social justice, and continue that work to this day. This mural and the community fridge in front of it represents that love and passion for protecting community. Aho!" – Nadia

“I created the Resist mural during the Black Lives Matter movement in Oakland after the deaths of George Floyd and Breanna Taylor. Resist was made dedicated to the lives of over 40 people of color who have died in police custody, I used the posters created by Oree Originol a fellow Oakland artist in the design.

As fissures continued to crack open across the nation, the inherent and insidious nature of racism in our political, police, institutions and social systems became more and more obvious.

As a woman of mixed heritage; Jamaican and Irish, I could not remain silent to the injustice. As Trump's support for white supremacy emboldened his supporters to be more and more outspoken, I felt a counter message needed to be sounded.

As an artist I had an opportunity to create a message that has been shared by hundreds of people across the Bay area and around the world via social media.
With a group of like-minded and creatively motivated people, who care about justice and equality for all, for basic human rights. My pen and brush are mightier than any sword.” – Sharon

Mural by @shabanackle

"Summer 2020 was different than I expected it to be. Two major pandemics hit:
Covid-19, putting an abrupt end to my senior year and the recognition of the on-going pandemic we face in America of blatant racism and police brutality against Black individuals.

As a youth activist for several social justice issues, my passion is to empower other youth voices to get involved in the movement. My job is to create a space to allow others to discover their passions and create their dream projects to unite our community for a greater good. This is a choice I choose to make every single day to bring life to these inspiring ideas and projects brought up by young people through my organization Youth Advocates for Change.

You don't need a degree to be a change maker, there's no age limit. Anyone can make a change and be apart of the fight for justice with the right intention and passion in your heart." – Tiana

Mural by @blm_art_oakland

"As a Queer Woman of Color my skin, my identity and my very existence is political. I was raised by strong women who were also raised by strong and resilient women. My family endured and escaped the violence and poverty through the hands of corruption and greed of this country. But we made it here. I am here now. I choose to invest in my community today, tomorrow and always through mutual aid.

Mutual aid is defiance, solidarity, resilience, and a necessity at the failures of the ruling class.

Divest from the corrupt and abusive systems we were taught to live and immerse ourselves in. Reinvesting in communal aid and support infrastructure that is sustainable for our communities and children of color, our future.

We will no longer stay silent or complacent to the exploitation through capitalism & the ruling class. Keep protesting, keep fighting, keep showing up for one another and continue organizing." – Isa

Mural by @c@lamakina510 @fewandfarwomen  @ladimeuna

"RESIST

As an undocumented mujer, I have learned to RESIST against the deadly systems in place. It did not start with me. It did not start with my mother. It started generations behind me and beyond these human-made borders, my ancestors also had to RESIST.

The same deadly systems that affect me, also affect other oppressed communities around me. It is all intertwined.

My acts of resistance against these systems are redistributing wealth back into our migrant communities, feeding our migrant elders, and showing the State that we got us when they don't." – Steph

Mural by @shabanackle

"20+ years ago my mom and I fled Honduras for reasons out of our own control.
Our home country of Honduras was filled with violence and corruption. For us it reached a tipping point forcing us to flee when my own mother was held and threatened at gunpoint all in front of six year old me.

When I see the thousands of people at the border I can't help but see myself and a
piece of my own journey. A journey that continues and once here the fear of living without an immigration status is a constant reality.

To see that 20+ years later people are still fleeing Honduras for some of the same reasons (violence, poverty, corruption) I can't help but continue to educate, organize, aid, and heal our gente. In the process I/we hope to change minds and hearts to believe that immigration status should not determine ones fate here in the United States." – Kim

Mural by @chrisgranilloart

"They used to utilize our babies as shooting targets or food for their dogs, our women and girls raped and disappeared; our warriors scalped and/or lynched, our spiritual guiders hands and feet would get chopped off for danzando to the beat of the huehuetl. We fought back and so they introduced their laws, policies and false treaties of peace that only apply when they desire.

I am a Xicanx-Indigenx Two Spirit born and raised in Da Town. I do what I can for the seven generations before me and seven generations after me.

We will change it all, and I will have stories to share in Mictlampa with my ancestors. But most of all, I want to make my parents proud, también." – Esteban

Mural by @refa1love

"Every one of my paintings comes from a feeling. I try to tell the story of where I felt something in my body, how it looked in my eyes, what it did in my hands, etc. The result is a lot of portraits, hands, and lights.

When I paint a black person experiencing an intense emotion, it is to remind myself that this is possible. There are not many portrayals in the art world of black people experiencing emotions other than anger. I grew up exposed to complex and layered emotional narratives in books written by and largely about, white people.

Because of this, there is an added intentionality when I am portraying people of colour who feel more than what is permitted." – Blane

Mural by @art_blane

"Black Lives Matter

These three words are a cry to dismantle white supremacy, end racially targeted violence, and fix the broken system in which Black people struggle more simply because of their skin color. This push to fix the outdated and racially targeted system applies to many different outlets, such as schooling systems, housing, job opportunities, healthcare, and the most talked about today—policing and incarceration.

I use my power to lift all Black lives and support them in the fight to freedom and equality in all areas from a long history of systemic oppression." – Kenzi

Mural by @panchopescador

"To fight a corrupt system, you must first conquer corruption yourself.

We don't just say fuck the police; that's easy. We live this life; that's hard.

The art of war isn't beautiful; it's ugly. You lose soldiers along the way, but you fight every day that's where the beauty takes place." – Math

Mural by @math_punks_thugs_vandals

“For me, it's important to be out there on the frontlines because I'm a soldier of the community, just like my ancestors were warriors and protected their people from harm's way. Their blood runs through our veins.

We stand here for our ancestors who aren't here with us, for those who feel like they don't have a voice, and for those who are afraid. Tu lucha es mi lucha!!!

I am proud to be an Oakland native and to be a protector of our diverse community! Love and light to all the protectors out there!

Tlazocamati Ella es dios to all my relations!" – Maria

"Art is how I use my voice, and I wanted to make sure the people in the back hear me.

We are affected by the endless violence, racism, and oppression in our communities daily. In making this mural, I wanted to show my support as an artist, a woman, and a person of color.

We've had enough injustice, and I stand with the BLM movement. More than ever, we all need to come together as a community and have each other's backs." – Liliana

Mural by @lilysarte

"My parents gave up so much to give my siblings and I a better life. I want to make them proud, I want to make Mexican people proud. I want to help inspire the youth, the future" – Fernando "Rush" Santos

Mural by @beastoakland

"As an Undocu-artist born in Mexico and growing up in Oakland, I've had a front-row seat to the struggles Black and Brown people face every day.

Art is how I connect with the world, and it is my responsibility and moral duty to use the platform that I've earned with my skills to uplift my community. I am proud to call Oakland my home and to show solidarity with my Black brothers and sisters." – Jorge

Mural by @abstract_oakland

"Sometimes I ask myself, why do I do the things I do? but I believe the question I should be asking myself is "Why did it take me so long to do what I am doing now?"

Not only as an immigrant, but as a woman too, I have experienced discrimination, racism, oppression, sexism, and even abuse. All without having a choice or a single say in the matter, I left behind my life as a daughter, a sister, an auntie... and have dealt with being looked down on for being "different", for speaking "funny" all while battling with the feeling of knowing no matter how hard I work to better myself, others will always have far greater opportunities than I ever could in this country simply because of "birthplace."

Growing up and seeing countless acts of injustice towards all living beings alike has given me the courage and strength to stand up to any and all abuse directed at my brothers and sisters and most of all, those without a voice, those who can not defend themselves.

I have been in the same position as those being abused, until I raised my voice and said enough is enough. Unfortunately, there are still many others who are "different" just like I am but do not have the privilege of having a voice. Now that I have stood up to defend myself, it is now my moral responsibility and obligation to stand up for the voiceless too.

Same struggle, Same fight

Humans' freedom, Animals' rights" – Suzzy

Mural by @panchopescador

“Murals have the potential to represent history and to demand attention, make a statement. The HYPHY mural is a grand and poetic representation of that. I had the honor of contributing and working on a dancer’s belt as well as a child’s sneakers.

During the painting process, I thought of how powerful it was, to be along Oakland natives, dreamers, and rooted creators. That is a bold statement on its own. It screams, “Apreciamos nuestra Tierra, nuestro Oakland. Estamos unidos en esta batalla y demandamos tu atencion con este Arte, este poema. Comunidad, we are here to Stay, let us heal together. Where we come from, lo que somos, lo que deseamos ser, creer, No lo borraran!”

I feel our ancestors stomping when I see the spray painted greenery. The woman holding her bebe, embraces our strong mujeres poderosas. Mujeres que Dan todo, Pero principalmente, Dan un amor tan tierno y fuerte.

One of the strongest visuals, is the paletero. It hits home for me. All those years of nothing but hard work ethic under the kissing sun, with a sonrisa. I will always remember those bells. Today, they continue ringing in our barrios. It symbolizes continuity of la comunidad, love, determination, and resistance.

Painting the Town’s walls felt emotional to me. It felt like I was making an agreement with our culture. An agreement to never forget. To always water and sun kiss our Oak Trees, home.

We have it all here. Let’s protect it and continue to decorate it.” – Sayra

Mural by @amendtdk @67suenos @sayrareyesart

"Taking a stand and being in solidarity with the oppressed has opened my eyes and heart and soul. Knowing that I'm fighting for liberation that coloured and indigenous people deserve after many MANY generations of torture and abuse makes me believe anything is possible, as long as you have faith and others beside you- fighting for the same thing. I do believe all are created equal, and for a reason.

As a pansexual indigenous vegan, I am proud to be who I am and how I got here, thanks to my ancestors and friends who believe in me and that I can make a difference." – Sheila

"Black lives matter is important to me because it's bringing attention to systemic oppression and violence that have historically effected, and actively oppresses marginalized peoples. The power and the attention this movement has gained are symbolic to me of the potential for change.

I have faith that white supremacy is dying, but I believe it takes us all to truly slay this beast once and for all, and I am willing to fight to create that kind of world for us to live in eventually. I am so proud of my community and I am hella proud to be black and from Oakland!

ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER!!" – Montee

Mural by @art_blane

"I've been really interested in bringing Queer imagery into the street as large murals. I love spray paint and street art funk, and there is so much incredible art that comes out of many different Queer communities.

As a Queer kid that likes to spray paint though, I don't see these two worlds mixing much. Furthermore, Queer people are still struggling for basic rights around the country and world. Visibility is an essential part of that process.

I want to continue building my skill set and be able to rock some big ass gay walls coming up soon." – Josh

Mural by @jkatzart

The time is now—Organize within your community for a common goal no matter the size!

We must reconceptualize and rebuild systems outside of the little boxes the matrix tried to place us in. I've witnessed firsthand the beautiful power of direct action through community and want to further ignite the fire amongst us. It's contagious yall and transforms everyone involved. So model it, practice with it and stop waiting. We must collectively study, unpack and understand the divide and conquer techniques constantly in play against us if we want to make it through this time in our lives.

Overlook fear and ego and use them as fuel. Unite theory with action and engage in real-time building within your intersectional circles and start living. We are the culmination of the ancestral bloodline and have to walk the path given to us.

Our knowledge, our story runs through our veins as we speak. Let us all be activated through love and solidarity within the class struggle. Honor our elders by advancing the universal struggle as you see it. Embrace an ideological metamorphosis and join us on the frontline of the Myriad. Asè” – Mike

Mural by @trustyourstruggle

“Community organizing to me is advocating for youth voices, youth education and young adults’ voices being heard. I was 16 years old when I began with YSA back in 2016. I attended local City Council meetings, writing speeches for my friends, and other youth, reciting our feelings about over policing and development in the low income districts in Berkeley. Reporting staggering data that supported homelessness and BPOC being more likely to be asked to stopped and frisked at more frequent rates. Homeless encampments were being violently raided and personal belongings were thrown away in dumpsters during the raining seasons.

My goal as the Interfaith Organizer is to give back with my wisdom and priorities to strategize with our Organization, supporters/partners and youth leadership, a plan for disenfranchised young folks. Work with youth and young adults to learn and expand their opinions and understanding. Discover school options, or careers. For them to tackle issues and speak with confidence about related topics in our local bureaucracy. Plug them into reliable resources and support them becoming talented, independent and hard working, self motivated, leaders and role models.

Building a community that represented our values was a huge step. As a community we have to practice unlearning and teaching new coping skills and ways to see each other’s perspective. I want to support my peers finding their next step on their path to growth and maturation. Scoop them out of oppressive situations, to have a chance at uplifting themselves and help others by being apart of the conversation in our local politics or backing them up when we’re talking about events, youth ideas are inspired by.” – Sean

Mural by @panchopescador

Mural by @pablitosomething