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From the inside out
A local exhibit provides a platform for the artwork of Arizona inmates
By Abigail Terry
Published on 12/17/2009
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[ view additional photos ]
An untitled piece done in pen on a torn bed sheet by Thomas Andrews. Photo courtesy of Nick Rosso.
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Powerful images scrawled across torn bed sheets and manicured manila folders are tacked to the walls of the Beaver Street Gallery, showcasing artwork made by inmates in Arizona prisons. These unorthodox canvases speak to the lives of a population that is rarely heard from in a positive manner. But “Inside/Out,” the exhibit currently on display at the gallery, is showcasing a talent and body of work that would normally never see the light of day.
The eclectic mix of artists, images and styles make for an interesting spread. Meticulously outlined hummingbirds hover next to pornographic images of women. Intricately detailed profiles of lions and tigers crouch next to sadistic scenes with demons.
Using what is available to them around the prison, most inmates create their artwork under the radar because “material and drawing tools can be considered contraband, or at least state property,” says Charles Harper, the show’s co-curator.
The mediums used range from pencil on copier paper, to pen and ink on bed sheets, to a jewelry box made of Popsicle sticks, rolled newspapers and stained with coffee grounds. Some inmates even melt paint from their bunks, mixing it with water and spreading it across bed sheets to express themselves.
Some of these artists “have no choice but to create,” says Harper, and they do so in the most resourceful of ways.
Each of the 10 artists featured in “Inside/Out” has been tucked away from the eyes of society and is serving or has served time for breaking the law. The images personify their lives behind bars, and gallery visitors have an opportunity to glimpse into the psyche of a part of society generally kept out of sight and out of mind.
Not only does “Inside Out” shine a light on the life of an inmate, but it also helps the inmates see a future in their lives once they are released.
To the prisoners, their art is not only a hobby but a way of life. Some use their artwork as a form of expression and therapy. Bradley W. Croft, one of the inmate-artists, says he has “found a lot of the time words fall short, so with pen and paper I have learned to express myself.”
Many of the artists speak fondly of tattoo art as a personal and permanent form of expression. The “love of slinging ink,” as described in one of the artist’s bios, is a way to express oneself in a manner that cannot be taken away. In prison, individuals are stripped of anything that sets them apart. With tattoo art they are able to distinguish themselves from others.
Harper says the most rewarding part of putting together this exhibit is “the reactions of the inmates after seeing the turnout of their show.” Being recognized for their positive actions reinforces hope for a positive life after their sentence has been served.
Harper works with teenagers and young adults who are trying to overcome addictions through art, journaling, the outdoors and drama. Harper met Nick Rosso, his partner in putting together the exhibit, five years ago as a troubled youth. Rosso recently came to Harper after being released from prison looking for help and guidance with transitioning back into society.
The idea for “Inside/Out” came from Rosso sharing a box of keepsakes he had saved while in prison. Rosso brought his friend’s artwork with him when he left prison with intentions of selling the artwork to help his friends make some money. “It’s protocol to help friends out who have helped you out (while in prison),” says Rosso.
Harper sees opportunity in the positive feedback “Inside/Out” has received. The dialogue generated by the exhibit has gotten visitors thinking about ways to use the prison system as a true reform system. Utilizing their isolation as a building period to develop skills, such as art, can be therapeutic and productive. To Harper and Rosso this show is just the beginning of something bigger. The two say they would like to coordinate a regional and national roll out of the “Inside/Out experience.”
Over the next three years, Harper and Rosso hope to put together shows in other major markets across the country. Their dream is to have their efforts culminate in a national show featuring artwork from inmates in every state of the country.
“Inside/Out” has turned both audiences’ and participants’ perspectives inside out, transmuting the public’s preconceptions of inmates as nothing but criminals to personify them as talented individuals. In turn, the inmates establish at once a connection with the public and a medium to reintegrate themselves with society.
“Inside/Out” will be on display until Mon, Dec. 28 at the Beaver Street Gallery, 28 S. Beaver. For more information, call 214-0408 or visit www.facebook.com/insideoutexperience.
Additional photos for this story:
An untitled piece done in pen on torn bed sheet by Brian stokes. Photo courtesy of Nick Rosso.
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