GOOD LOOKIN’ OUT
PORTRAITS, RIKERS ISLAND, NYC, 2012-14
For three years I ran art workshops on Rikers Island, New York City’s largest detention complex. I brought art materials that were otherwise contraband, like color pencils and markers, along with paper and coloring book pages that detainees used to write letters, make cards, or simply draw with to meditate. We drew together, and after a few requests, I began to draw them.
Portraits were drawn with golf pencils (above), usually within a two hour sitting session. The subjects were given the original drawing, and I’d ask if I could photocopy it for this project. These are the portraits of those who chose to participate.
If anyone out there sees themself and would like to remove their portrait, please contact me.
I’ve written more about Rikers Island here.
