Incarcerated Artists
Peter Merts | California, United States
Photographer: Peter Merts
Exhibit Title: Incarcerated Artists
Location: California, United States
These photos show California prison inmates participating in art classes, which research has demonstrated is beneficial to inmates' behavior, attitudes, and relationships. In spite of these findings, funding in the US for such programs is modest.
I believe a major obstacle to the public's support of prison art classes and other beneficial programming is the prejudice that prison inmates are undeserving, irredeemable, or somehow less than human.
My goal therefore with this project is to show not just the activities of these student artists, but also something of their passion, commitment, and dedication to their creativity; that is, their humanity and authenticity. By revealing the artists' humanity, I hope to engender empathy and compassion for them.
Some photos were made under contract with the California Arts Council. Most of the classes depicted are part of Arts in Corrections, a prison arts program funded by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and administered by the California Arts Council.
mail@petermerts.com
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