While locked up in a U.S. prison, Jesse Krimes secretly created epic works of art | Canada News Media
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While locked up in a U.S. prison, Jesse Krimes secretly created epic works of art

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Jesse Krimes is one of the most talked-about visual artists in the world right now — and some of his most famous work was made in a U.S. prison.

The Philadelphia-based artist served five years of a six-year sentence in a federal penitentiary after being convicted of a non-violent drug offence. While incarcerated, he secretly created monumental works of art using materials like bedsheets, hair gel and newspapers, smuggling the pieces out one-by-one through the prison mail room.

Like anyone who’s spent time in prison, Krimes had to adjust to life on the outside when he was released, but his situation was made more complicated by the fact that he was trying to find his footing as a rising star in the world of art. The artist was awarded a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship and his work has been shown at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Now, nearly a decade after his release, he’s the subject of a new MTV documentary, Art & Krimes by Krimes, available on Paramount+.

Listen to Krimes discuss his work in an interview on Q with Tom Power and follow along using the images below.

Purgatory

Jesse Krimes, Purgatory, 2009. Prison-issued soap, newsprint transfer, playing cards. (Jesse Krimes)

Krimes made his first prison artwork, Purgatory, while awaiting sentencing in solitary confinement. With no access to fresh air or socialization, Krimes told Q: “I started thinking about how I could use the materials of the prison against itself.”

Purgatory (detail)

Jesse Krimes, Purgatory (detail), 2009. (Jesse Krimes)

Using materials found in his cell, Krimes made Purgatory by transferring newspaper mugshots of people accused of crimes onto hundreds of wet bars of soap. The result is a commentary on crime, punishment and what it means to be absolved.

Purgatory (detail)

Jesse Krimes, Purgatory (detail), 2009. (Jesse Krimes)

Krimes hid the printed soaps from Purgatory in prison playing card containers and smuggled them to the outside world through the mailroom. He used the interior connector of a battery to cut the containers, and toothpaste to “glue” them together.

Apokaluptein:16389067

Jesse Krimes, Apokaluptein:16389067, 2010–13. Hand-transferred digital print, graphite, gouache, federal prison bedsheets. (Jesse Krimes)

Considered Krimes’s masterwork, Apokaluptein:16389067 is a mural made up of 39 prison bedsheets and illegally constructed over the course of three years. The title references the Greek origin of the word apocalypse. The numbers allude to Krimes’s Federal Bureau of Prisons identification number.

Apokaluptein:16389067:II

Jesse Krimes, Apokaluptein:16389067:II, 2015. Eastern State Penitentiary installation, digital image transfer, acrylic paint, federal prison bedsheets, wood, drywall, spackle. (Jesse Krimes)

Installed at the former Eastern State Penitentiary in Pennsylvania, this piece, titled Apokaluptein:16389067:II, covers the interior walls of an abandoned cell. The installation is meant to reflect on Krimes’s experience making art to survive in prison.

Elegy Quilts series

Upon being released from prison, Krimes began to expand his practice. Pictured above is some of his textile work using antique quilts and used clothing collected from people who have been incarcerated.


Interview produced by Vanessa Greco.

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com



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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

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Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.

The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.

Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”

With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.

The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.

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