The transit agency serving Minneapolis and St. Paul has drawn criticism for selecting an artist whose past work includes an illustration of a police officer being beaten.
Metro Transit chose artist Alexis Politz to design a Pride-themed wrap for its buses, intended to be featured throughout June and in the Twin Cities Pride Parade on June 28. Politz, who uses they/them pronouns, typically creates designs for bands, businesses, and organizations. Their client list includes Planned Parenthood, the National Parks Conservation Association, and Target.
However, a review of Politz's website revealed artwork titled "EXERCISE YOUR DEMONS," which depicts two women assaulting a police officer. Politz described the series on their website as a "cheeky nod to the grueling weight of being a femme in a society" and finding ways to "exorcise feelings."
Following the discovery of the artwork, a Metro Transit spokesperson stated that the agency was unaware of the piece in question, which appears to have been created after the artist's selection. The spokesperson indicated that Metro Transit "does not condone violence of any kind" and will "give more consideration to artists' total body of work as part of our selection process moving forward." The agency also aims to "provide a welcoming environment."
The timeline for Politz's selection is unclear, but the "EXERCISE YOUR DEMONS" gallery was exhibited from March 7 through March 28. Politz unveiled their Pride bus design on social media on June 4, featuring illustrations of couples and local gay landmarks, with the tagline "RIDE with PRIDE!"
On social media, some residents expressed outrage over the use of taxpayer funds for the project. Comments included sentiments of disgust and suggestions that bus wraps should generate revenue or maintain the standard paint scheme. Others criticized the artist's message as rebellious and contradictory to inclusivity.
Politz shared their gratitude on Instagram for the opportunity, calling it a "huuuuuge beautiful project" and encouraging people to "ride the big gay bus."