Ford Foundation | (Per)Sister

The independent, nonprofit organization, Ford Foundation, has guided conversations in social change for well over eighty years. In New York, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, The Ford Foundation has aimed to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. 

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, women’s state prison populations have grown 834 percent over the past 40 years in the U.S.—with Louisiana earning the 19th-highest rate of incarcerated women in the world.

This spring, The New York-based center for social injustice presents, ‘Per(Sister): Incarcerated Women of Louisiana.’ In highlighting one of the most critical issues of inequality and injustice in this country, the gallery engages a profound conversation. 

More than 30 artists present works based on the personal stories of 30 formerly and currently incarcerated women, aka ‘persisters.’ Divided into four sections, the exhibition features voice recordings, photographic portraits, informative illustrations, sculptures, paintings, songs, and performances. All of which covers the mental and physical toll of incarceration, the impact of incarcerated mothers, the root causes of all-female incarceration, and the challenges and opportunities for formerly incarcerated women.

Until May 9th, the conversation will continue to shed light on an overlooked crisis. Stories of loss, hope, despair, survival, triumph, and persistence exemplify the resiliency of women and communities impacted by incarceration. 

Anastasia Pelias
Star (for Syrita), 2018
Image Courtesy of Newcomb Art Museum of Tulane University

Under the leadership of Newcomb Art Museum of Tulane University and director Monica Ramirez-Montagut, ‘Per(Sister)’ was created in assistance by curator Laura Blereau, and developed with Syrita Steib and Dolfinette Martin with additional support provided by Operation Restoration and Women with a Vision.

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