January 21, 2015
Michael Reali/Mural Arts Program
Okdeh created "Family Interrupted" as part of the Restorative Justice program.
The culmination of a Mural Arts project which focuses on the issue of mass incarceration and its effects, "Beyond the Wall," will be exhibited at the Philadelphia Art Alliance. Muralist Eric Okdeh's latest works will be on display and there will be an opening reception Jan. 29.
Since 2001, the Mural Arts Program has worked with the criminal justice system in Philadelphia to help heal victims of crime, teach inmates new skills, and engage the public in a dialogue about incarceration through art. This program, called Restorative Justice, brings together current prisoners, probationers, parolees and juvenile delinquents to learn about art, create murals and restore their communities through paid programs and community service.
Previous Restorative Justice projects include "Family Interrupted," which saw Okdeh create a mural (above) about the tension a family feels when one of its own is incarcerated with the help of inmates, letters from families, and youth from Saint Gabriel's Hall.
"Beyond the Wall" is similar in that it discusses the effects of the prison system on a community and returning citizens, but its focus is on mass incarceration in the nation at large. The yearlong Mural Arts project began with a sold-out symposium on mass incarceration at the Community College of Philadelphia in April 2014, which included multiple workshops for advocates, students and returning citizens.
This exhibit displays new painted panels by Okdeh, including portraits inspired by interviews with inmates, criminal justice professionals, the community and more. As part of the event series, there will also be a community discussion about juvenile justice Wednesday, Feb. 25 with Deputy Director and Chief Counsel of the Juvenile Law Center Marsha Levick.
