Larry Cook and I met in the summer of 2021 to discuss his work after he did an online talk during the pandemic for TILT Institute for the Contemporary Image. His conceptual work examined carceral aesthetics and their relationship to the photographic archive, re-imagining them through collage, digital manipulation, and staged photography. The initial iteration of Wherever There Is Light had just opened in Los Angeles and we spoke in depth about the project and his hopes to recreate it in other places across the country to help build a network of artists who have experienced incarceration The work showed the traumatic impact of the penal system on their lives, but also how they became photographers while inside. Larry spoke about the millions of carceral photographs taken of people and their loved ones in penitentiary visiting rooms, photographs not held within the canon of vernacular photography taken by photographers who remain anonymous. Wherever There Is Light aims to open the canon and offer support for those who have had to make their work in carceral spaces, those which are physical, mental, and emotional. 

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Philadelphia became the host for the next cohort of artists in Wherever There Is Light. The new cohort, José Diaz, Don Jones, Vernon Ray, and Akeil Robertson, have been in conversation with Larry and Curator Melanee Harvey, PhD, for over a year. The work of these artists has connective tissue but is uniquely theirs. In both form and content, the artists offer us different ways to look at the injustices of mass incarceration, from its legacy of violence on people of color during slavery and colonization to today’s culture of surveillance and identification. Their work also casts a light of reflection, the enduring love of family and community as well as the freedom of self-determination.

 

TILT supports contemporary photographers and image makers of every level by fostering a space to learn, network, create, and engage in socially conscious dialogue through exhibitions, fine art printing, programs, artist residencies, and youth education. TILT is dedicated to working with artists at every stage of their practice especially those whose perspectives are not normally embraced and those who have created their artistic paths without prior institutional support. The arts play a critical role in redefining our society and artists illuminate the experiences and realities of those facing injustice. We are humbled to be a space of light for Larry Cook, Adamu Chan, Jonathan Chiu, José Diaz, Eddie Herena, Javier Jimenez, Don Jones, Hein Mai, Vernon Ray, and Akeil Robertson.