"Embodiement of fear" - Kyle Hagerty

The artist is currently incarcerated in Mississippi.

All original artworks are created by artists previously or currently incarcerated. They use whichever materials they have access to, and prove creative ingenuity beyond the norm. These original paintings and drawings are born in the heart of a prison cell, from the hands of an outsider artist to adorn the walls of your space. Each art piece is a one-of-a-kind that not only enhances your interior but also makes you actively participate in reforming the prison and criminal justice system.

The incarcerated artist receives 50% of the sales proceeds. The artists set their own prices based on the costs of materials (it can vary greatly from one facility to another), the time spent on the piece, their experience, and simply - what they think it’s worth. Alongside with offering a financial outlet, we aim to empower their confidence and reinstitute their status as human beings - not a number behind bars. For most, art is an escape, a path to self-discovery and healing. Through art, they can reconnect with society so the gap is not so unbridgeable when they get out. Through the sales, they can stay connected with their families, afford daily commissary items, pay societal debts, relieve the economic burden on their loved ones, and save up for the release date. So they have the financial means to get ahead of reinsertion and get a fair chance at that second chance.

8" x 11" | Colored pencils on paper

“My name is Kyle Hagerty. I’m doing time in Parchman (Mississippi State Penitentiary) currently for a crime I didn’t commit. I took art when I attended Harrison Central High School. I’m currently 25 years old, going on 26 in April, and I’d like to hope that my art skills have improved from all the time I’ve had from being incarcerated for a crime I didn’t commit. However, I’ll let the public be the judge of that, because, as I said, I’m locked up. The thing I like the most about art is that I can feel free to draw whatever I want and not really care what others think about it. I like drawing because it lets me show my creative side, and allows me to let my imagination run wild. I’m a bonafide gamer, and anyone who considers themselves a gamer knows how good it feels to have an outlet to let their creative imaginations pour out when they don’t have access to a computer or gaming console. Now I know most people like to - or feel obligated to - give descriptions of their artwork, but, as you’ll come to soon realize, I’m not like most artists. I like to let my artwork speak for itself; that’s why I only like to provide a title.”.

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