AUGUSTA — A new exhibit is on display at the Danforth Gallery at UMA from now through Nov. 7, titled “Reflect: convicts’ letters to their younger selves.” An opening reception and artist talk will be held at the gallery at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23.
“Reflect” is photographer Trent Bell’s artistic documentation of choices, consequences, and reflection represented through large scale portraits of Maine State Prison inmates that feature their own personal handwritten letters to their younger selves.
Bell is known for his architectural photography, but conceived this photo project after finding out that a friend – an educated professional, a husband, and a father of four children – had been sentenced to 36 years in prison.
“Our bad choices can contain untold loss, remorse, and regret,” said Bell, “but the positive value of these bad choices might be immeasurable if we can face them, admit to them, learn from them and find the strength to share.”
Also displayed in the exhibit is a video documentation by filmmaker Joe Cater and additional prison guard portraits by Corey Desrochers.
The Danforth Gallery is in Jewett Hall on the Augusta campus of the University of Maine at Augusta. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Fridays.
For more information, visit: http://artsuma.com/.
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