Abstract

This project explores how incarcerated communities in Michigan resist ongoing oppression through artmaking as a social practice, utilizing art as a means of reclaiming autonomy. It reveals how incarcerated individuals utilize artmaking as a method of resistance, confronting carceral norms. The project begins by providing information on the carceral state and art as resistance. The visual analysis section delves into themes of time, space, and connection within 5 pieces of art from the 29th Annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons. The pieces are as follows: “Portrait Painting from Life”, by Raybay o Say; “Never Finished”, anonymous; “What Your Taxes Go To”, by Cory Willett; “Looking Forward”, by Ryan G; "MCF Friendly Squirrels" and "In His Eye" by William 'Cowboy' Wright. The visual analyses of these works provide context for how and why they were created with analysis of pertinent themes within the pieces. These pieces make up the second component: the exhibition. The pieces, alongside my own, will be exhibited on their own website accompanied by their individual analyses. The website format makes this project accessible to all audiences at any desired time; it will live on the internet for anyone to see at any time. This project works to empower incarcerated artists’ voices. Incarcerated individuals are isolated and dehumanized; with a culture of punitivity present in the United States’ capitalist society, those impacted by the justice system are demonized and seen as less than. Artists utilize their mediums to expose these carceral norms. This project creates visibility for the creativity and resourcefulness that incarcerated artists construct. Art works as a means of resistance; this project serves to illuminate this radical work.