The Fortune Society – Insider Art: The New Outsider Art
Auction Ends: Dec 18, 2005 06:00 PM EST

Incarceration

'Shaded Character' by Amiba Canales, Jr.

"Shaded Character" by Amiba Canales, Jr.

Item Number
49os
Estimated Value
Priceless
Sold
105 USD to diamondbgd
Number of Bids
23  -  Bid History

Item Description

14x16, graphite pencil

Item Special Note

"Shaded Character" came into being when the execution of Napolien Beasly came up. I was thumbing through a Texas Monthly, and in it was an interview with Beasly, and the photo that you see was one that was in there. I was struck by the stark terror that was in this young man's face and the look that he was presenting to the world. I myself never knew this young man, but from all I have been told he was a good hearted man and one that loved life. The portrait I saw of him in the magazine spoke of a young man being made to face his death as a man, yet Napolien was a juvenile. When he committed his crime he was but a boy of 17. But for one mistake, who knows how far and where he would have traveled in life. Judging from the testimony of his family and friends, he was a smart young man and gifted athlete. His defense to his crime - none - he admitted that he did it. A boy facing his accusers and saying "yes, I did this," like a man. I respect that. Too many in prison would rather run and hide from the crimes that they commited than to stand and face them and deal with the pain and shame they have inflected on their victims. And here he was about to be put to death for it, by a state that does not recognize that he is a boy in the eyes of the law. Until now. Here we are in 2005 and juveniles can no longer be executed for capitol crimes. This young man brought the plight of the juvenile to the forefront of American political justice circles. I can only hope that I captured the pain and fear that I saw in his eyes...the true nature of a boy who became a man in this place we call Texas death row.

This piece will be on display at the Lab Gallery at the
Roger Smith Hotel in NYC from December 13th-17th.