More Than a Rap Sheet: the real stories of incarcerated women.
More Than a Rap Sheet: A photography exhibit at SALT in Portland.
“When a woman tells the truth she is creating the possibility for more truth around her.” – Adrienne Rich
Look out Moon, Art is here…
It is Friday and that means ArtWalk in Portland, Maine. Other cities too. Some friends in Scranton said they were ArtWalking at the same time. I approve of this cultural idea!
Actually I am typing this on Saturday and here in Portland it is rainy. A cold, even rain that looks like it could go on for days. And you are reading this probably a few days after. Maybe a week after. I write up articles as they happen and warp them to the future. I have been studious and prompt recently and lots of interesting people have swooped into my life so you probably are reading this long after I have ditched Portland.
I like Pepper better, but…
We are going to be looking back in time! Back to a time, when I saw a great photography exhibit.
Salt is more than a food flavorizer, Salt is also an Institute for Documentary Studies in Portland, Maine. They teach students how to tell a story. Responsibly. Honestly. In-depthly.
“To seek the truth and report it by producing thought-provoking documentary work.”
In a study in 2002, Family Crisis Services found that 95% of incarcerated women were in or had been in an abusive intimate relationship.
More than a Rap Sheet…
The large colorful photographs of women in jumpsuits drew me in. Ted, a writer, was the host and he greeted me. The walls hung with portraits of women in bright orange or blue jumpsuits. Next to each photograph was “the truth” about each woman. They were asked to write about themselves. To write fast, not think too much, to be bold and no erasing.
The result is a combo of very intimate truths about each woman and a beautiful photograph.
What is your truth?
Each of us have a truth…
The point of this post is to highlight some great photography, but I realize most of you will not be able to see the exhibit. Reading these women’s truth also greased my wheels into thinking about my truth and all of our truths. Beneath how we look or the social situation we are in, there is always more going on. I wonder what I would write if I had to explain my truth. To write and to write fast. Honest. Bold. Brutal. Go…
Or your truth…
Also, although most of you are not around the Portland area, I wonder what local art is around you that is inspiring.
Too often I have gotten into my routine of life and missed out on the local goodies right under my nose.
Well, stay warm! I am off to write my truth.
Create Our World.
Ben
“The personal life deeply lived always expands into truths beyond itself.” – Anais Nin
Tags: adventure travel blog, artwalk, Benjamin Jenks, create our world, hitchhiking, more than a rap sheet, portland maine, roadtrip around the USA, salt, the real stories of incarcerated women
Categories:
Art., Photographs.
