WomenInPrison

30 Days of Art "Voices in Time"

Produced and developed by Beyondmedia, Chicago, IL (Fall 2001) http://womenandprison.org/

I was involved in the development and creation of this collaborative multimedia installation on the issues of incarcerated women in the state of Illinois. This exhibitions was shown in spaces of socially responsible organizations of Chicago. It was also a traveling installation, showing in the galleries and libraries throughout the country.Traveling to communities across Chicago significantly impacted by rising awareness about the womens' incarceration.

This project was viewed by more than 12,000 people in 30 days. Beyondmedia partnered with 17 Chicago-based organizations, universities and cultural centers to produce 30 Days, and have continued to tour the project. An open 'town-hall' style community dialogue facilitated by the performers follows each performance.

Display and Materials:

This interactive art installation and companion live performance, Only Women Bleed, was created and performed by women recently released from prison.

The installation is an informative multimedia display on the issues of incarcerated women in the State of Illinois USA. In a space of 10 feet by 5 feet a prison cell environment is re-created with a cell wall, narrow cot, toilet and typical belongings. In that space a documentary of interviews of incarcerated women is displayed on a monitor in one corner. The wall of the cell is created with foam core blocks made to look like bricks which are stuck on a foam board backing. Selected phrases from the interviews of the incarcerated women are stamped on the bricks of the cell’s wall. A hand made quilt sewn by incarcerated girls show drawings and messages sewn on cloth, drawn and written by the inmates and joined with swatches of clothing contributed by incarcerated women is spread on the bed. The boxes underneath the bed are filled with personal belongings (clothes, letters, gifts etc ) of the women inmates, received and sent while in the cell.

Video: Voices In time video