Sea Walls: Children of Blood and Water

Artist: Georgie Nakima

Location: Super Duper Burger, 5959 Shellmound St

City: Emeryville

Date Painted: 2022

Date Photographed: 2022

Photographer: Trailhead Bob

Description: woman's face surrounded by geometric shapes. orcas. globe.

Notes: Artist statement: Children of Blood and Water examines the reality of intersectional environmentalism by encouraging protection for both the people and the planet. Communities of color and low-income households are disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards and more often exploited to live in heavily neglected and polluted areas. I wanted to represent the people by creating an uplifting and empowered figure placed by her left hand, which symbolizes responsibility. Below, the pair of orca whales shed light on oceanic pollution and the health risk that marine animals experience due to PCB contamination. PCBs are industrial man-made toxins that harm the entire planet by moving through the land, water, and air. While orcas are found in all the world’s oceans, they are also endangered as half its population is expected to collapse. This piece transforms the victim into the victor, by focusing on survival vs devastation. Geometric and Afro-indigenous totems relay themes of interconnectedness and balance while the color scheme harmonizes into a healing perspective for the viewer. (from https://seawalls.org/mural/children-of-blood-and-water/)