Following the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, Colombian-American artist Felix Morelo has ignited a debate with his latest chalk art, featuring ‘Charlie Kirk spot’ circles on New York City sidewalks. Known for his colorful chalk spots labeled with phrases like ‘Good Luck Spot’ and ‘Suicide Spot,’ Morelo’s new artwork has drawn both admiration and criticism, with some passersby defacing the pieces or creating their own competing circles.
Morelo, who is based in New York City, described the mixed reactions as a reflection of the broader political polarization across the country. He noted that some people have responded to his artwork by writing ‘Nazi’ next to the circles or drawing their own competing spots, underscoring the intense divisions sparked by Kirk’s death.
‘I couldn’t find a reason for somebody to be executed, you know? It’s like, even hardcore criminals get… their due [process],’ Morelo told Fox News Digital in Washington Square Park in Manhattan. He expressed his belief that the assassination of Kirk, who was known for his pro-Israel and conservative leanings, was unjust and that the situation highlighted the growing political violence across the nation.
Despite his opposition to some of Kirk’s views, Morelo admitted that he had a personal connection to the activist and had even considered participating in a debate with him. ‘This is where I was going to try to debate Kirk, but somebody took him away,’ he said. ‘I think it reflects the politics of where we are right now.’
Morelo’s piece also reflects the larger discussion surrounding political violence and the role of public art in fostering dialogue, as seen in the recent events surrounding another Charlie Kirk memorial mural, which was defaced by vandals but later restored by young people with Bible verses.
‘I felt like by writing his name over and over, we will keep his message alive,’ Morelo said. However, he also admitted to feeling anger toward those who celebrated the murder and noted that he eventually chose not to judge or feel bad about their reactions, understanding that they might have had their own motivations for feeling that way.
‘After some time, I realized that – I decided not to judge or feel bad about the people being happy for his death because I realized that I felt the same feelings,’ he said. His experiment has also led to some intense interactions, including receiving vitriolic social media DMs and being approached threateningly on the street, but he has also encountered positive responses, including some people blessing him and others expressing empathy for his situation.
Morelo believes in the importance of perspective, saying that despite the hostility, he reminds himself that ‘most people are all right.’ He stressed his belief in forgiveness, tolerance and dialogue, even though he admits he doesn’t have the answers for the broader issue of political polarization.
‘Take citizens living in New York, or living anywhere. It’s like having roommates, you know? You got to learn how to live with each other,’ he said. His artwork, while controversial, serves as a platform for open discussion and a reminder of the value of human connection and understanding in a deeply divided society.