“Not Titled”, Steven Chorvas
“Not Titled”, Steven Chorvas
“Not Titled”, Steven Chorvas
“Not Titled”, Steven Chorvas
Steven Chorvas
Justice Arts Coalition
A national network and resource for those creating art in and around the criminal legal system.
Dear Steven,
Hello! This is Sophia, and recently I got together with a couple of JAC volunteers, Louis and
Sacha. We were all so moved by your “Strange Fruit” tribute piece above, and decided to take
some time to collectively discuss, engage, and reflect on it. Below you will find pieces of our
reflection. Thank you so much for creating and choosing to share with JAC!
We feel a remarkable combination of pain and elegance emanating from this artwork. Billie
Holiday’s hands resting so comfortably under her chin add to the relaxed feeling on her face. She
seems like she knows more than the viewer, and has the compassion to simply give her eyes back
to us. Sacha says that Holiday is so beautiful in the picture that it’s almost disarming. Her eyes are
so crystal clear to nearly match the shine of the blood and jewel sparkles. It’s a romantic or
idealized version of Holiday in a way. Her glow feels other worldly. The image almost takes place
in a dream state. We’re thinking about the horror of lynchings in the song “Strange Fruit” and the
gulf between that kind of violence and Holiday’s beauty in the artwork. There is a lot of suffering
implied alongside so much perfection in the red blood on the apple. The same is true for the
hopeful and yet detached gaze of Holiday. It is somehow both sharp and warm. She is looking up
and out, distracting us from the danger alluded to by the apple with her glimmering allure. Her
beauty feels very aware of violence not depicted in the portrait, violence that is nearly closing in
on her image. Holiday’s softness feels mocking and challenging in a quiet way. We see the apple too as resembling something of a heart. Louis, Sacha, and I are amazed at how you made the kind
of splendor expressed in this piece of art.
Thank you so much for creating art that is so inviting to engage with, and thank you for choosing
to create and share with JAC. We have loved experiencing your art together and feel enlightened
by its expression. I’m inspired by your ability to create these emotional responses in us as viewers
and believe in your artistry to keep carrying forth promise in this world. This artwork has already
been safely uploaded to your portfolio. Take good care, and keep creating!
Warmly,
Sophia & Sacha & Louis
JAC Volunteers