"Sin City - Graffiti" - Gustavo Avalos

The artist is currently incarcerated in Nevada. He specializes in graffiti.

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.

8.5" x 11" | Pen & sharpies on paper

Hello, my name is Gustavo Avalos. I’m 35 years young. I reside in Las Vegas, Nevada. I was born in East Los Angeles but raised in Compton, California. As far back as I can remember, I was always interested in drawing, or actually, any type of art. But, when I was about 11 years old my love for art just deepened when I discovered the art of Graffiti. One day, I walked into a skate shop and noticed a Graffiti magazine. I was amazed by all of the different styles, so I bought it and it was at that point that I knew this form of art was going to be a part of my life forever. I practiced day and night. I got really good at it and started drawing on shirts with paint markers and selling them in my high school. Unfortunately, the gangs in Compton got a hold on me like the arms of a deadly octopus. When I was jumped into a gang the older members forbade me from creating graffiti pieces. At that time gangs hated taggers, so I slowly but surely stopped drawing. But, in a turn of events, graffiti has once again claimed my life. I am happy to say that I have left the gang life and have been creating art pieces ever since. I’m not just into graffiti. I love and do all types of lettering, from Old English to calligraphy, to creating custom letters for tattoos. When I draw there is a satisfaction that can’t be beaten with anything else. It lets me escape from the Oceans of Injustice of the prison system. I forget that I’m locked in a cage, like an animal. I forget about my children’s heartaches from missing their father. I may only go to that wonderland for a moment before I have to come back to this cage, but for that brief moment, I am free. So, when you ask me what art means to me I say, another way, another chance...Freedom..

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