I wanted to do something about it - to prioritize people of color on these walls. 

A few years ago, people who had been in prison came into my studio to get their portraits painted. It really opened my eyes to the disproportionate incarceration of Black people, especially in Wisconsin. They are disproportionately more likely to be arrested, convicted, and receive longer sentences.

It’s basically an extension of slavery. It’s a way to keep the power structure.

I have been writing to DarRen Morris who is incarcerated in Green Bay. He was incarcerated at 17 and he’s 44 now. His ambassador put on a show for his artwork and that’s how I saw his work. We became friends and have been writing for the last couple years. When the opportunity arose, I recreated one of his designs. His work shined a light on the injustices of the Wisconsin prison system.

-@philipsalamone