Artist auctioning painting of George Floyd will donate proceeds to Northants equality group

A local artist who has created an oil painting of George Floyd will donate the proceeds to a Northamptonshire equality group.

Marco Drillings, who is currently studying a Master’s in fine art at the University of Northampton, decided to complete the painting as he wanted to help following the death of George Floyd in America, which sparked the worldwide Black Lives Matter protests.

The mature student is now auctioning the A4 sized painting that took between three and four days to complete.

All the proceeds for the sale will be donated to the Northamptonshire Rights and Equality Council (NREC) to support their vital work.

Marco said: “My art has always been political. I’m interested in history and politics, so this has always been my kind of topic.

“I just thought ‘as an artist, what can I do to help?’ and painting was the answer because that’s what I do.

“All the money will go to NREC so they can continue their work as they fight against inequality and injustice.

“They have trouble with funding so I’m hoping this will make a bit of a difference.”

Marco used a picture of George Floyd that he found online to base the painting on.

He says the one he used was one of only two he could find, with the other being a photo of him being arrested.

The painting has already received 19 bids and it up to £52, but the artist is also keen to spread an important message with his painting.

Marco added: “People have looked away for far too long and police brutality has happened over and over again.

“Nobody can say they didn’t know or look away anymore.

“Racism is unbearable. People are living with others in the same country and are treating them like they have fewer rights.

“Even a little bit helps, if everybody does something it will make a difference.”

To bid on the painting, visit Marco’s eBay listing, which will be live until Sunday (June 21).

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