New York City, Lower East Side - Michelle Repiso presents Basic Necessities, a multimedia project that features three individuals and the mechanisms they used to sustain their humanity while incarcerated. Every item represents an object that was either created or was a resource for rehabilitation during their confinement – focusing on art, creativity, and imagination in an unlikely place. This exhibit doesn’t minimize their crimes but instead, it highlights how one copes with the situation they are in to help better themselves and their community.
Repiso's work addresses the importance of understanding the person and not passing judgment based on previous circumstances. “Coss, Shane, and Juan were willing to share their journey with me and I want to share it with others. It’s important that people hear their voices,” says Repiso. This exhibition demonstrates our need for communication and connection no matter how harsh the environment.
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