Built on the Backs — Artists’ Depictions of Incarcerated Labor and the Building of Upstate New York
Built on the Backs — Carceral Labor and the Establishment of Upstate New York
Artists Uncovering the Brutal Reality of Prison Labor
Slave Labor, Convict Labor. Both were our country built on the backs of.
In today's conversation I’m joined by artist, curator and researcher Sofia Thieu D’Amico. In this in-depth discussion, Sofia takes us through the intersections of art, landscapes and incarceration, informing us on how convict labor has historically been forcibly used for the cultural development of Upstate New York. We begin our conversation with a focus on her thesis research titled, Up River Studies: Carcerality and the American Sublime, the study that peaked her interest to want to explore the further dimensions of carceral labor. The conversation then transitions into the other major discussion piece which centers on her latest work -- an exhibition developed in collaboration with artist Maggie Hazen called Talking Back: Artists of the Columbia Collective, featuring the work of two young women and one trans artist as the Columbia Collective who are currently incarcerated at the Brookwood Secure Center for Youth in Claverack, New York. Their artwork is for sale via the exhibit. All proceeds are being saved for these young artists for once they are released! To learn more visit the Columbia Collective, please visit their website here.
You can follow Sofia on Instagram to stay updated on all upcoming projects. And as my final call-to-action make sure to check out Bell Hook's Talking Back: Thinking Feminist, Thinking Black.
