manna gallery presents

Manna Gallery & Empowerment Avenue are pleased to present Painting Ourselves Into Society, co-curated by Orlando Smith Aka “O. Smith” from inside San Quentin Prison, and Rahsaan “New York” Thomas, who has returned to society after 22 years inside, showcases the transformative power of art created by artists who are incarcerated, exploring what it means to remain a vital part of the community despite physical confinement. Inspired by the African proverb, "The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth," and Rev. Desmond Tutu's wisdom, "A person is a person because of other people," this exhibition challenges the narratives surrounding incarceration. Through vivid portrayals of climate change, voting rights, and resilience, the artists offer a poignant reflection on the societal issues that unite and divide us. This compelling collection aims to dismantle the barriers of the Prison Industrial Complex, bringing the voices and visions of the incarcerated into our shared spaces and dialogues.

About the Artists:

New York-based artist COREY ARTHUR shows up positively in society by mailing his paintings to friends, “Breaking Through Barriers” of incarceration and helping to heal the world. Denver-based Artist CEDAR ANNENKOVNA repurposes candy wrappers to frame her environmental fight from prison for our planet. San Quentin-based artist JESSIE MILO reflects on the way communities lack role models because they are in chains— leaving long-lasting impacts on our children. Michigan-based artist ALVIN SMITH’S piece from his Underprivileged Oasis collection is his way of seeing himself still in his community. California-based artist JOANNA NIXON dazzles the modern art world with contemplation expressed in bright colors contrasting pain and the shared impacts of toxic pollution between the free world and prison. MARK A CáDIZ, another San Quentin-based artist, uses acrylics to imagine the only formerly incarcerated president voting from prison against threats to the voting rights of disenfranchised people with felony convictions, absolute power, and corruption. Famous paroled multidisciplinary artist JARED OWENS, of Marking Time and Art & Krimes, contributed prints of “Shadow Figures” moving as one across a maximum security prison yard echoing slavery and the way society today sees the physical bodies of individuals in the carceral state.

Empowerment Avenue (EA) is a nonprofit collective whose mission is to normalize the inclusion of incarcerated writers, artists, and filmmakers in mainstream venues by bridging the gap between them and harnessing this creative proximity as a path to de-carceration and public safety. It was founded in May of 2020 by Rahsaan “New York” Thomas and freelance writer Emily Nonko while Rahsaan was incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison in Marin County, California. Rahsaan was paroled in February of 2023 and now leads this program from the outside. Christine Lashaw, a senior museum professional, oversees EA’s program for visual artists with De’jon Joy, EA’s Assistant Director. 

Support the empowerment of incarcerated people: Make a donation