Welcome to the newest gallery in JAC’s Gallery of the Month series, where we showcase a wide range of art and writing under unique monthly themes. Check back on the first of each month for a new collection of works by the talented artists in the JAC network. To view past galleries of the month, see our Gallery Archive.
Over the years, many of us at JAC have had the opportunity to speak with network artists over the phone. These calls range from interviews, to readings of written work, to conversations about life, art, music, and everything in between. This month, we want to share some of that experience with you. Through a gallery of recordings, visual art, and written works we hope to give you an opportunity to engage with artists in JAC’s network in new ways.
“A Tune for June” is based on the inspirational power of music and an acknowledgement of the multitude of ways that we experience art. We have created a multimedia gallery featuring recorded interviews, poetry, and visual art inspired by music.
If you are interested in connecting with artists by phone to conduct interviews or record readings of poetry or prose, please consider volunteering with JAC’s Recording Project. The goal of this project is to give more people a way to connect with the amazing artists featured on our website. If you’re interested in volunteering or have questions, please feel free to reach out to info@thejusticeartscoalition.org.
Check out JAC’s Soundcloud for our full collection of recorded interviews and readings!
We hope you enjoy this month’s gallery: A Tune for June – A Multimedia Gallery
Audio Gallery:
Visual Gallery:
Written Works: Jump from soaring heights, I fly, I take wing In mind, to revel, flying toward the sun In rapturous joy, my heart it will sing and I’ll never mind the wrongs I have done I can feel it, like an illicit fling the final prize it comes, and I have won In seconds blood seeps … My life led to a trail and the trail led to a ship then the ship went asail and my life became a trip. The trip led to a port and the port led to a house, a house of just the sort full of secrets born of doubts. So my life became a secret … My Love isn’t just words or without meaning… My Love is truly a gem that you will find that’s rare yet sincere… My Love comes from deep within the depths of my soul… My Love is the true meaning of endless love that’s to be embraced… My Love is only a symbol of the love … My Womb/My Tomb From within my womb Im consumed by Thoughts and perceived notions, fueled By state potions, entertained by dreams Trapped & fired by vision inside of me As I lay pace? Pray I devise Strategies to help the day I’m exhumed From this tomb in which I stay into that aquarium of color … Hello! New Black World Order, Look around what do you see, “You see all Black faces, angry just Like me Sick and tired of Mothers crying because their Songs keep dying Look at your Brother, Look to your sister, the Love between us Is felt with the same, Heartbeat, “No more dying at the hands … “Sometimes I want to run away. I fear I’ll die if I should stay. I feel suppressed, claustrophobic. I dream of a world that is utopic. But as I took at the life I lead. reality crushes my wildest dreams. And all that’s left is a handful of dust, that seeps into my skin to … Continue reading Ode To Life In A Small Southern Town – Gary K. Farlow Today I was asked by another prisoner, “Are you rehabilitated?” I told him “I know I am!” He said “What have you learned?” I told him: I’ve learned that when I’m on the phone talking to my daughter, it feels like my heart is in my ear. I’ve learned that for some, escape is easier … I am from canned foods From sulfur and gasoline I am from the creaks in the wooden Floors brown and cracked, no amount Of polish could fix me. I am from the dandelions the wild Weeds. Whose untamed growth hides me from prying eyes. I am from curry goat and dread locks. From the tears … A SHORT FLIGHT – Rick
Cirque – Claude Kelley Kirk
My Love – Lionel Lewis Rogers
My Womb/My Tomb – Shannon Pride
New Black World Order – O.G. Blue
Ode To Life In A Small Southern Town – Gary K. Farlow
Rehabilitation – Safi Dona’t
Where I’m From – Antique Soul
