Art Exhibit Showcases Work by Inspiring Former Inmates

Introducing The O.G. Experience, an unprecedented art exhibit opening in Chelsea, NYC, which showcases works exclusively by formerly incarcerated artists who seek to uncover important truths about the history of our prison system. Most importantly, this is a space to showcase the stories of those who have been ensnared by the prison industrial complex.

This exhibit stems from a theory of change explained best by The O.G. Experience’s executive co-chairs and featured artists, Jesse Krimes and Russell Craig: “Art has the potential to create change. The individuals who are directly impacted by our criminal justice system are the best positioned to lead conversations and find solutions to the problem of over-incarceration.”

The United States has the highest rate of incarceration in the world. We currently imprison approximately 2,298,300 of our people, which is 0.71% of the total population. This is a human rights issue of epic proportions — one that needs to be addressed urgently and with the expertise of those most impacted.

This pop-up was inspired by the HBO film O.G. that will premiere on February 23rd. O.G. is the story of Louis (Jeffrey Wright) who is in the final weeks of his 24-year sentence in a maximum security prison. Finding himself on the cusp of release after a quarter-century behind bars, he must confront the impact of his actions and the challenges of re-entering society. O.G. was filmed in Pendleton prison with the majority of supporting roles played by incarcerates.

The O.G. Experience picks up where the film leaves off: It tells the stories of countless individuals across the United States who have been involved in the prison system. The O.G. Experience intends to spark a conversation about the staggering effects incarceration has on our communities (both inside and outside of the penal system) and considers critical questions that will lead us to actionable solutions.

The exhibit will be open to the public from Feb. 20-25. If you are interested in visiting the site or speaking with exhibit co-chairs and artists, Jesse Krimes and Russell Craig, I would be happy to arrange.

Courtesy of Kristen Kehlet and www.high10media.com