New York-based artist JR has recently completed an art installation at the Riker's Island prison. These large-scale art projects were modeled after an 18 year-old prisoner who is in jail for the second time. These wheat-paste projects focus on the inmate's eyes.
JR's intriguing prison installations are done entirely in black and white. Some of these pieces look extremely intimidating, while others depict an eye looking off to the side. What's really interesting about this is that both of these styles reflect the behaviors of prison inmates. It's important for them to stand their ground and look tough so that no one bothers them, but it's equally important to be constantly looking over their shoulders.
JR's reflective series and bizarre location make this art installation incredibly interesting.
Reflective Prison Art
The Art Installation at Rikers Island Prison is Thought Provoking
Trend Themes
1. Reflective Prison Art - The trend of using art installations in prisons as a thought-provoking medium.
2. Large-scale Wheat-paste Projects - The trend of creating large-scale art pieces using wheat-paste techniques.
3. Black and White Art - The trend of utilizing black and white color schemes in art installations for added impact.
Industry Implications
1. Art Installations - The art industry can explore opportunities to collaborate with prisons and create impactful installations that bring awareness to the prison system.
2. Prison Rehabilitation - The prison industry can embrace the use of art as a means of rehabilitation and expression for inmates.
3. Criminal Justice System - The criminal justice industry can investigate the potential of using art installations as a way to address the behaviors and emotions of inmates.