Newcomb Art Museum - Still Human, Still Lifes: Yolanda Ford, I

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Image of Still Human, Still Lifes: Yolanda Ford, I

Still Human, Still Lifes: Yolanda Ford, I
Photography

2018
20 x 20 in. (50.8 x 50.8 cm)

Kathryn Wilson (Lake Forest, IL, 1983 - ) Artist

Object Type: Photography

Medium and Support: archival inkjet print

Credit Line: Gift of the artist

Accession Number: 2019.2.1

Artist Statement

Statement by Ryn Wilson, on her artistic response to Yolanda Ford’s experience: 
These photographs are part of an ongoing project that asks formerly incarcerated women the question, “What items did you miss most while incarcerated?” The responses are interpreted into still lifes. (Response: shower and bathroom privacy, toilet paper, soap, pads, razors, personal hygiene products, perm, make-up) The goal of this project is to put forth the humanity of incarcerated women while highlighting the inhumanity of the system. Most of the responses are every day objects that we take for granted such as a glass of water when we want it, or enough toilet paper. This project focuses specifically on women because they have a set of issues that are too often overlooked in an already overlooked topic. The system disproportionally affects women of color, and they often receive harsher sentences and worse treatment because of the sentiment that women are breaking both the law and social norms. It has a massive impact on children and families, and sexual assault factors into the equation both inside and outside the prison walls. The hope is to bring attention and compassion to these issues through creating these images.

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