New PS1 exhibition explores art, incarceration and humanity

Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration opens Thursday at MoMA PS1. Photo via jarito/Flikr

By Rachel

A new MoMA PS1 exhibit explores mass incarceration in the United States through the work of more than three dozen artists who know the issue firsthand. All were either incarcerated or otherwise impacted by the criminal justice system.

Some of the artists in “Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration” turned to art as an outlet during their time behind bars. The exhibition was curated by Dr. Nicole R. Fleetwood, professor of American Studies and Art History at Rutgers University. 

In one 600-portrait series, titled “Pyrrhic Defeat,” artist Mark Loughney captures the faces of fellow inmates with ink sketches.

Loughney’s mother was an integral part of working with him while he remained imprisoned in Pennsylvania, according to a tweet from Fleetwood. 

The exhibition also features works created in response to the COVID crisis behind bars. 

“Marking Time” will remain open until April 4, 2021.