Inside

The work of an incarcerated artist

Openings Art Space

November 2, 2010 - January 18, 2011

Curator: Anthony Santella

   

The artworks in this exhibit were created in a jail in central NJ. The artist studied at the School of Visual Arts, and worked in both traditional and digital media; his work continues during his incarceration. In spite of limited materials, and jail conditions that are chaotic,distracting and at times dangerous, art has remained an important part of his life, a reflection of personal passion and a response to simple necessity. In his letters, the artist credits his ability to draw familiar cartoon characters in the improvised sketchbooks displayed here with defusing conflicts and allowing him to avoid fights on his arrival in jail.

 

During the more than a year and a half he has spent awaiting trial, drawing has served to help pass time inside, and provides a way to communicate with family and friends outside. Art also has a purely practical value; as commodity, drawings can be traded for postage stamps, toiletries, and other necessities. The works displayed here were created under difficult conditions of constant noise and stress.   Materials are limited, mostly prison issued de-weaponized ballpoint pens, as well as dabs of watercolor smuggled in on letters from outside. These images: illustrated letters, holiday cards, religious images and idle doodles, speak to the irrepressible urge to reach out through art.