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‘Jailbirds’ — Projects at the Precinct — Creative Time
March, 1981

As we enter these jail cells we are confronted with the crucial and universal issues of freedom and imprisonment. I thought about what art in the context of this women’s cell-block could mean and how I would deal with the space on many levels.

On one level, I responded literally to physical imprisonment of the body by representing fantasies of escape.

On a deeper level, I have created the dreams that have imprisoned women — their childhood fantasies of love and marriage — with all their stereotyped roles, restrictions, expectations, and their self-imposed limitations.

I was married in this gown that is chained to the ceiling like a throne. The gown itself forms a nest of feathers cradling tiny chocolate candy kisses. Tiny hearts of love and red crosses for healing are planted in the cinnamon-filled egg shells suspended in front of this wedding gown.

Each of the five cells has been transformed into a fanciful, poetic, magical fairyland. In the first cell, the hanging basket just above the suitcases is filled with potpourri whose sweet fragrance is permeating the air. The vivid colors of the painting contrast to the bleakness of these cells. The painting expresses the exuberance of freedom — the sensuality of love. In a wonderful strange way it emanates energy into the cold steel walls and prison bars of this barren cell.

There is a dark cell in the back, too difficult to video tape, where tiny ducks now float in the toilet among rainbows. In the hall between the cells, origami birds carry symbols of hope, healing, adventure and escape. Constructions of light, beads, eggshells and feathers create dazzling images of freedom, love and sanctuary.

Although the ugly jail remains here, a spirit of beauty, a spirit of love, and a spirit of life prevail.

(Artist’s statement adapted from a video documentary.)

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