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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