About

 Freedom and Vision:

A group exhibition of artwork from inside and outside the prison gates

“My body might be caged but my vision is free.” -Banjo Percy, artist

December 1, 2020 - January 10, 2021

Open by appointment only, 10am - 6pm

Location: The Bail Project, 3107 Washington Blvd, Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Sponsored by

In conjunction with The Bail Project the exhibition focuses on the extreme circumstances of 2020 and its effect on people who have experienced incarceration. The Bail Project has donated the space to house the exhibition. All of artworks in the show are by artists who are formerly or are currently incarcerated. The exhibition will feature work that details the intense reality that COVID-19 has had on individuals who are incarcerated and how art itself can be used as a tool of healing. These artists have an intimate and sacred connection to the work. Their art becomes a vessel by which they funnel energy into and out of which they harvest positive growth. 

The art which is coming out of prisons was incredibly complicated to get out, but with the help of a strong support system, we are able to display them today. These works of art are rare relics that come from a space that you cannot enter or visit because of COVID-19. They are echos of voices that have been trapped and locked away in the prison system. This is the voice that society is missing when it condemns people for life. These people face constant obstacles that silence their speech to the outside world, yet they persist and have funneled this artwork out for the world to see. 

Christian Branscombe, the artist, describes, “there are no trees in the prison yard. There is no verdant soil or green grass. Everything is one color, the bars, the building, the ground. We had to find the fertile ground within ourselves and grow life from within.” This is a profound message that these men and women are communicating to us against impossible odds. It is a message that we can learn from as viewers. To bathe in their healing and connect through the medium of their artwork. This show is an opportunity to recognize their voices, their humanity, and their talent. 

COVID-19 Precautions: Your safety and that of our visitors and community is of utmost importance to us. In order to ensure this, we are following city, state, and federal health guidelines. We kindly ask that you wear your own mask and maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others during your visit. Hand sanitizer will be provided. Exhibition list and press release will be available via smartphone QR code.

Please do not plan to come to the gallery if you have a fever, Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.