Juvenile In Justice: End Solitary Confinement

We are currently in the midst of a national movement to end the solitary confinement of children. In January, President Obama banned solitary confinement of juveniles in federal facilities and highlighted the physical, emotional and social harms the practice inflicts on children. Many jurisdictions have since followed suit, prohibiting or greatly restricting the practice of solitary confinement for juveniles. However, solitary confinement is still routinely employed in a majority of states.

InLiquid, Juvenile Law Center, and Richard Ross are collaborating on a multi-site exhibition of Ross’ photographs, which document the incarceration of children in the U.S., detained youth audio recordings, and life-size replicas of solitary confinement cells. The first exhibit, at Eastern State Penitentiary, includes five select images from his Juvenile In Justice series paired with a collection of audio recordings of Ross’ personal interviews with detained youth. Youths’ firsthand descriptions of detention and solitary confinement complement the raw and eerily beautiful images, providing a moving, immersive experience of what it is like to grow up confined.

A major exhibit of Richard Ross’ photographs, a replica of a solitary cell, and complementary programming will open July 21 – September 4, 2016 at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Parkway Central Library.

Thursday, July 21, 5:30 – 9 pm
Opening Reception and Panel Discussion
Free Library of Philadelphia’s Parkway Central Library featuring Richard Ross (Juvenile In Justice), Johnny Perez (Urban Justice Center Mental Health Project (MHP), Marsha Levick (Juvenile Law Center Deputy Director and Chief Counsel), and more


Organizing Partners:

Richard Ross is a photographer, researcher and professor of art based in Santa Barbara, California. Since discovering that kids as young as 10 are entering the justice system, Ross has dedicated himself to researching and documenting the American juvenile justice system with themes ranging from solitary confinement to girls in the justice system. Ross has been the recipient of grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Annie E. Casey Foundation and The MacArthur Foundation. Ross was awarded both Fulbright and Guggenheim Fellowships.

InLiquid is a nonprofit organization committed to creating opportunities and exposure for visual artists while serving as a free, online public hub for arts information in the Philadelphia area. InLiquid highlights the richness of the region’s art activity, broadens audiences, and heightens appreciation for all forms of visual culture by providing the public with immediate, online access to view the portfolios and credentials of over 280 artists and designers; through meaningful partnerships with other cultural organizations; through community-based activities and exhibitions; and through an extensive online body of timely art information.

Juvenile Law Center is the world’s oldest non-profit, public interest law firm for children. Juvenile Law Center uses an array of legal strategies and legislative advocacy to promote fairness, prevent harm, ensure access to appropriate services, and create opportunities for success for youth in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Widely published and internationally recognized as thought leaders in the field, Juvenile Law Center’s impact on the development of law and policy on behalf of children is substantial.

Venue
Free Library of Philadelphia’s Parkway Central Library The mission of the Free Library of Philadelphia is to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity. Its vision is to build an enlightened community devoted to lifelong learning.