Blood, Soot, Watercolor, Kool-Aid: Works on Paper by Queer & Trans Incarcerated Artists
July 05 – Aug. 05, 2022
This exhibition, organized by the Bay Area based collective A.B.O. COMIX, features work from queer, trans, and HIV+ artists who are currently or formerly incarcerated. The pieces came to HP Galleries from jails and prisons across the country and artists from a wide range of backgrounds. The purpose in displaying these works is to shed light on the realities of living as a queer/trans person within the prison system by giving each artist space to tell their personal story through their creative work. In particular, we uplift the stories of our queer and trans siblings that are most in need because of the adverse impacts incarceration has had on their lives. Proceeds from any art sales during this show will be donated back to artists’ prison commissary accounts or to their families on the outside.
A.B.O. COMIX is a collective of creators and activists who work to amplify the voices of LGBTQ prisoners through art. By working closely with prison abolitionist and queer advocacy organizations, we aim to keep queer prisoners connected to outside community and help them in the fight toward liberation. The profits generated through their efforts go back to incarcerated artists, especially those with little to no resources. Using the DIY ideology of “punk-zine” culture, A.B.O. was formed with the philosophy of mutual support, community and friendship. They are working towards compassionate accountability without relying on the state or its sycophants. The collective believes interpersonal and societal issues can be solved without locking people in cages, and the mission is to combat the culture that treats humans as disposable and disproportionately criminalizes the most marginalized amongst us. Through artistic activism, we hope to proliferate the idea that a better world means redefining our concepts of justice.
As of June 1, 2022, A.B.O. has donated $76,310 and counting to LGBTQ prisoners thanks to community support. For more information and ways to get involved, go to their website.