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There is an exhibition in prison. It is called CRACK.

Catalog of the Group exhibition at the former prison in Weimar MFA-Programme "Public Art and New Artistic Strategies" in 2015.

Catalog of the Group exhibition at the former prison in Weimar
MFA-Programme "Public Art and New Artistic Strategies" in 2015.

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Prison Body

Vanessa Brazeau

Artists and the public were encouraged to join a fitness class in

the former JVA Weimar. The architecture of the prison, along with

whatever had been left behind, were used to improve the physical form

of the participants. Simultaneously, artist Vanessa Brazeau trained herself

in the empty prison, documenting her transformation, and seeing

the changes made to her body as she morphed into a sculpture of

the prison’s architecture.

Prison Body can be understood as a critique of the capitalization of

significant spaces that have become dysfunctional. Prisons are spaces

that encourage physical improvement as they are characterized by two

main circumstances essential for success in fitness; time and discipline.

Ironically, our neoliberal society characterizes a fit, disciplined individual

as an ideal citizen.

In former Prisoner Daniel Genis’ words:

“. . . since they have the time and dedication, many inmates come out of

prison in excellent [physical] form. Which they lose immediately. Having

a "prison build" lasts a few months. These are not the kinds of men who

join the New York Health and Racquet Club, and outside, they have other

problems—poverty, unemployment, child support, addiction, and parole

requirements—that keep them from their old jail-yard hobby. I have seen

many a man return to prison on a parole violation and have to start all

over in the weight yard”.

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