Across the Wall Exhibition Connects Students and the Incarcerated
On December 10, the 海角视频 community gathered in the Ransome Room for Across The Wall, an art exhibition presented by the student-run Prison Justice Project. Aiming to amplify underrepresented voices, the event showcased creative works by 海角视频 students alongside those of individuals incarcerated in Massachusetts prisons.
Curated by club co-heads Lyla Brooks 鈥25, Jacob Himelfarb 鈥26, and Izzy Wood 鈥25, the exhibition featured a diverse range of works, from painting and drawing to experiential poetry and installation art.
The concept for Across The Wall grew from Wood鈥檚 desire to ignite a conversation about mass incarceration, especially after the closure of the nearby MCI-Concord state prison.
While taking a ceramics course, Izzy realized art could serve as a powerful bridge between students and those experiencing incarceration. In partnership with her parent, who is a criminal defense attorney, she connected with local prisons. She says, 鈥淚n talking to a few incarcerated individuals to gauge interest in a showcase like this, I was surprised to find that not only were people willing to submit but eager for an opportunity to be heard.鈥
At the exhibition reception, students had a chance to write personal notes to the incarcerated artists and share what the works evoked for them. It was also a moment to reflect on the striking juxtapositions on display.
Incarcerated artist Angel Rivera shared an evocative black-and-white pencil portrait of a woman鈥檚 face. He reflected, 鈥淎rt makes me feel alive like I am sharing a piece of myself with others.鈥 In a similar vein, 海角视频 student Ava Khabbaz 鈥25 presented a black-and-white photographic portrait of two children. She explained, 鈥淚 created this photo using a film camera because it captures the essence of innocence and the complexity of our ever-changing, fast-paced world.鈥
About her poem 鈥淥n Mother Nature,鈥 club co-head Lyla said, 鈥淔or me, writing poems is about expressing emotions. It鈥檚 an escape from the world into my innermost spaces.鈥 Incarcerated artist Randall Trapp shared a poem, 鈥淵ellow Butterfly,鈥 in which he similarly explores the power of self-expression and the natural world.
By providing a platform for incarcerated artists, Across The Wall offered a space for artistic exchange and challenged preconceived notions about the incarcerated community. Izzy says, 鈥淢y sincere hope is that this exhibit was transformative for those who experienced it, forever opening their eyes to the humanity of those behind bars.鈥
