On The Inside, A Group Show of LGBTQ Artists Who Are Currently Incarcerated
When: Sat., Nov. 5, 2016 - Sun., Dec. 18, 2016 at All Day
On the Inside is a group show consisting of 450 works by LGBTQ artists who are currently incarcerated. The show marks the culmination of a multi-year project by Tatiana von Furstenberg, in collaboration with Pink and Black, a grassroots organization working to meet the needs of LGBTQ prisoners and abolish the prison industrial complex. The exhibit offers a rare glimpse into the emotional complexities of a marginalized community whose artistry reflects a longing to be seen, and to have their true identities acknowledged.
The project began with a small ad in the Black and Pink newsletter, a monthly publication filled with prisoner-generated content. Ignited and inspired by this call for art, more than 4,000 pieces were submitted. The art featured is made from basic materials the prisoners have access to behind bars: mostly letter-sized paper, dull pencils, ball-point ink tubes (the hard shell is deemed to dangerous), and unlikely innovations such as using an asthma inhaler with Kool-aid to create an air brushed painting.
On the inside has created a way for the public to directly interact with the incarcerated artists: patrons will be able to text the artists through a transcribing service, or arrange to become their long-term pen pals.
Abrons Art Center
466 Grand St, New York, NY 10002