a selection of works by incarcerated and formerly incarcerated artists from Los Angeles County Prison, California Institute for Men, Angola Prison and Texas’ Death Row. SIX by NINE refers to the dimensions of the cell that confine, or have confined, the bodies of the artists who created the works in this exhibit—dimensions that are unable to confine their imaginations and humanity.
In 2015, Moyo sent a pastel-colored portrait entitled Yogini to his friend Maria in Helsinki, Finland. Soon after, Buddhas on Death Row began as a vision received on Maria’s meditation cushion.
More art followed, crossing the Atlantic in envelopes of various sizes, and parcels wrapped of cardboard.
Then in August 2016, a light-filled street-level space on Temppelikatu – or Temple Street – transformed into an intimate gallery for an exhibition that was the first of its kind in Finland. The law firm Dottir offered the venue and Paleface joined as the exhibit’s protector, spitting powerful bars on the opening night.
During twelve days of 11-28 August, some 300 people visited. And stayed for a good while. In the words of one of them: "So many thoughts, so many questions. No complete answers. Just a journey that invites you to pause for a moment."
Photos by Maria and Sami Tirkkonen.
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We are always looking for ways for Buddhas on Death Row to be of service to community and dialogue.
Got an idea? Get in touch. Let’s build.
The Zen Buddhist Temple in Ann Arbor, Michigan, brought Buddhas on Death Row into its vibrant community on 11-25 July 2017. The exhibition was part of the Temple’s Summer Lecture series which explored issues around mass incarceration, including fair justice and Buddhist work in prisons.
Visitors shared their reflections and messages on post-its and the exhibit journal, weaving a conversation into the exhibit. Shared practice rippled into sits synced with Moyo. Much gratitude to Senior Priest Haju Sunim and the whole Ann Arbor Sangha for the power of practice in action and community.
Photos by Osaek and Leah.
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We are always looking for ways for Buddhas on Death Row to be of service to community and dialogue.
Got an idea? Get in touch. Let’s build.
Sacred and Profane Festival is an art/performance/community event that takes place annually on the Saturday after the Harvest Moon in a WWII bunker on Peaks Island, off the coast of Maine.
Buddhas on Death Row took over a bunker room, perfectly fitting Moyo’s vision of a gritty exhibit space: broken glass, bottle caps, graffiti. Per Moyo's guidance, the show was to be explored with flashlights: When I’m meditating, the guards will often illuminate my cell with their flashlights.
During the installation, Moyo’s friend Silas sat in meditation in the bunker simultaneously with Moyo who was meditating in his cell.
Visitors shared their responses, including: Grateful you shared your struggle with us; Much love + more respect; and This was pretty groovy.
Photos by Silas and Marques.
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We are always looking for ways for Buddhas on Death Row to be of service to community and dialogue.
Got an idea? Get in touch. Let’s build.
"How do we honour our grief, whilst allowing it to permeate our lives in a positive way, encouraging us to one our hearts and transform ourselves?"
The 2018 edition of the Buddhafield Festival in Somerset, UK, explored the theme “the Dance of Life and Death.” Moyo's Buddhas and poems joined the exploration.
As part of the program, Moyo's friends Josh and Jorinde facilitated conversations on the death penalty, solitary confinement, prison art, and Buddism in incarceration. The exhibition moved many individuals, some of whom returned on multiple days for continued conversation and others to sit in silence for a time.
Each day, a guided meditation took place in small groups while Moyo simultaneously meditated in his cell. In this way, Moyo was afforded a presence at the festival and something more of a connection to the people who experienced his art.
Photos by Josh.
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We are always looking for ways for Buddhas on Death Row to be of service to community and dialogue.
Got an idea? Get in touch. Let’s build.
Coming soon.
In the meantime, visit instagram.com/mccarrengathering
