Introduction
In the artwork “Still Hoping” by Darrell Van Mastrigt, a haunting portrait captures a man with locs gently resting on his forehead, his compelling brown eye holding the viewer’s gaze with a silent plea. Wrapped in the comfort of a blanket, his posture and the intimate, hushed tone of his expression speak to a deeper yearning for connection. This acrylic painting invites the observer into a moment of vulnerability, almost hearing the whispers of his softly spoken words.
Exhibition Overview
“Abolitionist Expressions” showcases a moving collection of art created by individuals who are either currently incarcerated or have been in the past. This exhibition, featuring about 20 diverse artworks including drawings, paintings, and videos, is part of a larger effort by the Pittsburgh-based organization Let’s Get Free. The group focuses on reintegrating incarcerated people into the community and advocating for transformative justice. The display, located in the theater’s lobby, is accessible to the public during event hours until June 8.
Artworks that Stir the Soul
Among the poignant pieces, a pencil drawing by Benji Hill starkly illustrates the contrast between confinement and freedom. A man sits contemplatively in a makeshift cell that merges into a serene landscape, symbolizing the elusive freedom just beyond reach. This piece, alongside Shonda Walter’s “An Untimely Death,” where a woman is depicted trapped within an hourglass, chained by the relentless passage of time, underscores the heavy toll of life sentences. These artworks not only depict the isolation and longing experienced by those incarcerated but also challenge viewers to see beyond their sentences, recognizing the humanity and unspoken stories of each artist.