TO CELEBRATE MANCHESTER PRIDE, SPINNINGFIELDS INSTALLED A HUGE PIECE OF ART IN HARDMAN SQUARE THAT’S BEEN DESIGNED BY MANCHESTER BASED FREELANCE ILLUSTRATOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND MOVING IMAGE MAKER, FLORENCE BURNS.

The artwork, entitled PRIDE = PROTEST, is a loud and proud, large scale, digitally illustrated piece by Florence Burns, which depicts the feet of protest marchers.

The piece sets the protesters against a backdrop of fluffy, dream-like clouds. This heavenly setting intends to pay homage to the LGBTQIA+ community and protesters that got us where we are today who may no longer be with us. It stands to be a reminder that LGBTQIA+ people are persecuted for being who they are, and that despite progress, there is still a long way to go.

The piece gives a nod to the transgender community, who face substantial discrimination, with a symbolic colour palette of blue, white and pink; the colours of the Trans Pride flag. Additionally, the flag can be found within small details of the illustration, such as a rainbow charm attached to one of the shoes.

From a hairy legged person adorning bunny rabbit heels, to socks and sandals, camp pink cowboy boots, and prosthetic leg blades, the artwork embraces proud displays of identity, differences, and self-expression.

The shoes included aim to represent the beautiful diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community, with each shoe emitting the personality of each individual. Pride is a protest, and this statement is spelled out and repeated on a pair of heavy-duty boots, along with the message of ‘LOVE IS LOVE’, graffitied onto football boots.

Located in the heart of Spinningfields, the 30m x 2.5m design is the focal point of Hardman Square that was chosen to remain in situ beyond the celebrations of Manchester Pride.