In a series of interviews, we engage with the vibrant citizens of Jacksonville, Florida, delving into their perspectives on the profound significance of the Americana dream. Through thought-provoking questions and insightful conversations, we aim to uncover the diverse and inspiring narratives that shape this collective aspiration. We delve into the intricate tapestry of dreams and aspirations that truly embody the spirit of Americana within the hearts and minds of Jacksonville's residents.
In a captivating series of interviews, we have the privilege of engaging with the vibrant and diverse citizens of Jacksonville, Florida. Through these conversations, we delve deep into their unique perspectives, exploring their thoughts and insights on the profound significance and enduring allure of the Americana dream that resonates so strongly in their lives and aspirations.
In a captivating series of interviews, we have the privilege of engaging with the vibrant and diverse citizens of Jacksonville, Florida. Through these conversations, we delve deep into their unique perspectives, exploring their thoughts and insights on the profound significance and enduring allure of the Americana dream that resonates so strongly in their lives and aspirations.
“What does the American Dream Mean to You?” Maiya Elaine, "Making Great Lives Matter", 2020
Documentation of an art installation created in 2020 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Jacksonville, Florida
Residents of Jacksonville Florida were asked a series of thought-provoking questions in a series of videos. The videos were integral to the installation "Making Great Lives Matter."
This installation is intended to encourage discussion, introspection, and contemplation of the many versions of the American experience.
Currently, I am fascinated by the idea of decolonization. "Decolonization" has fascinated me as a way to break down certain assumptions, mindsets, and notions about our current reality. Through controlled and thoughtful questions, I am fascinated by the idea of challenging old social narratives and reframing them to foster and create a more equitable world.
Atrium Wall
The work will cover the entire back wall of the atrium. A "deconstructed American flag" would be the visual conceptual framework for the visual form. A new composition and meaning will be given to the symbols of American flags throughout history in this piece. This concept may also evolve to include other visual themes and influences based on my interactions and conversations with the Jacksonville Community.
"Imagine a Just System" #1 ” For 25 Years”
Produced by Carl Joe Williams and Andrew Wade Smith
Vote!!! Nov 6th YES #2
This is an interview with Maryan Henderson-Uloho, a woman who was wrongful imprisoned for 12 years. During her trial, Maryan Henderson-Uloho recalls the details of being wrongfully convicted by a non-unanimous jury as a first-time offender. Sister Hearts Re-Entry Program (SHERO) and Sister Hearts Thrift Store were founded by Maryam Henderson-Uloho. Maryam identified the need to assist women transitioning back into society from prison when she was in prison.
The Sister Hearts Re-Entry Program is located at 7519 Judge Perez Drive, Arabi, LA 70032.
Blue House // The Advocate, Mixed Media 2018.
Blue House Civic Studio's Mixed Media project is a pilot project. In addition to diversifying the range of voices heard in mainstream media, we are exploring new ways for viewers to engage with local news and critical issues.
"Imagine a Just System" consists of video clips in a documentary style. In collaboration with the New Orleans Advocate and Blue House Civic Studio, this work uses social media and mainstream media to inform and create consciousness regarding the inequity of Louisiana's prison system. Using art, storytelling, and PSA style video clips, we hope to create a space of empathy that transcends identity politics. The personal accounts illustrate how decades of "tough on crime" policies have resulted in some of the highest incarceration rates in the world. As part of the campaign to vote YES on #2 unanimous verdicts legislation in Louisiana on November 6 and to spark a national conversation on prison reform, these videos were produced. A person can immediately begin to view an issue from a broader perspective after learning about it through personal testimony and factual experience.
In this way, the seeds of future change are sown. In order to create real tangible changes for a better society, we must collectively understand that change is possible. As you learn more about the specific tools of injustice, you can begin to imagine the dehumanizing effects of the current system. The injustice and dehumanization of our fellow citizens affects us all. Upon understanding and connecting with the individual story, anyone can see that these are our sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, and friends, deserving of dignity and respect. The rise in awareness about conviction, sentencing, and bias will eventually lead to a truly just system!
Carl Joe Williams and Andrew Wade Smith produced "Imagine a Just System" series #2 "13 years.".
Cast your vote!! The 6th of November 2018 #2
Danial Tapia, wrongfully incarcerated for 13 years, discusses the impact of non-unanimous juries.
Blue House / The New Orleans Advocate, Mixed Media 2018.
Blue House Civic Studio's Mixed Media project is a pilot project. In addition to diversifying voices in the mainstream media, we are exploring new ways for viewers to engage with local news and critical issues. The resulting artwork will be published by the New Orleans Advocate.
.
"Imagine a Just System" is a series of documentary-style videos. As part of a collaboration with the New Orleans Advocate and Blue House Civic Studio, this work uses social and mainstream media to raise awareness about prison system issues in Louisiana. We hope to create a space of empathy through art, storytelling, and PSA style video clips that transcend identity politics. These personal accounts illustrate how decades of "tough on crime" policies have led to some of the highest incarceration rates in the world. The videos were intended to be posted as parts of the campaign to vote #2 for unanimous verdicts in Louisiana, but they will also spark a national conversation about prison reform. I think that if you learn more about an issue through personal accounts, then you can immediately begin to see things differently.
The seeds of future change are sown. For a better society, we need to collectively understand that change is possible and that we can work together to achieve it. All of us are affected by injustice and dehumanization of our fellow citizens. Knowing about these issues makes it harder for you to ignore this dehumanizing system. Sooner or later, as awareness about prisons rises, we will be able to change it into a system that is truly just for our sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, and friends!
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.