"Spiderman" - Jason Rivera

The artist is currently incarcerated in Wisconsin. He specializes in highly realistic portraits or Marvel characters.

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.

12" x 16" | Pencil on drawing paper

My name is Jason Dee Rivera, I am originally from The Bronx – NY but I was raised in Milwawkee – WI. Before my incarceration, I was a professional tattoo artist for about 7 years and a graffiti artist for as long as I can remember. I specialize in Black and Grey and Black & Grey photo realism and anything I can customize in between. Since I was a kid, Art has played a major part in my life; from seeing the graffiti in the streets and watching the classics cartoons we had in the 80’s reading DC and Marvel comics. Mimicking the artwork, learning my craft at a young age and even now as an adult seeing how far I have pushed myself artistically and seeing how much my life reflects in my work has been a journey. Everytime I pick up my pencil, I put my heart and soul into it and I am free, free from any problems. I have never been more free than when I am creating and trying to capture those moments of where I was. Art has become more than just a part of me, it is the expression of who I am and I hope to one day pass this gift to my grandson..

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