For the incarcerated, making art can be a coveted tool of expression. Yet many of these works go unseen by the public. Tatiana von Furstenberg aims to change that with a new exhibit, On the Inside, which opened at New York’s Abrons Art Center on November 5 and runs through December 18. In collaboration with Black and Pink, the exhibition displays works by LGBTQ artists who are currently incarcerated and hopes to raise the public’s awareness of the community as a whole. As the daughter of CFDA Chairwoman Diane von Furstenberg, Tatiana’s altruism and creativity are natural traits. We were eager to discuss the project with her directly.
What was your initial inspiration to pursue this project?
I made a pledge to do an act of love every day for 30 days. It was a simple online pledge. Somewhere in the middle of the 30 days I ran out of energy, and I ran out of ideas. And because of my own physical limitations — I have a muscle disease — writing was one action I could sustain to honor my pledge. So, I sought out a prison pen pal-matching service. The internet led me to Black and Pink, a newsletter put together by formally incarcerated prisoners for currently incarcerated prisoners. When I learned how especially forgotten and vulnerable the LGBTQ incarcerated population was, I contacted the people in charge of the newsletter to see how I could help. The newsletter is sprinkled with art, and that’s when I had the idea for On The Inside.
What message do you hope the public will take away from this exhibit?
My wish is to live in a culture that is more accepting, more inclusive, and more diverse. My goal is to give as big a stage as possible to these artists. It’s time to start listening to the voices we don’t have access to, the unheard voices.
Is there a particular piece of art or artist’s story that you found especially compelling?
‘All Woman Half the Time.’ [It’s about] a Trans woman denying a part of her anatomy. Everyone’s relationship with themselves and their bodies is different and unique to them. I relate to only identifying with a part of [yourself].
What did you learn while putting this project together?
I made a lot of friends and have a lot of new, loving friendships as a result. The interest in [the exhibit] by both the media and the people who come see the show is overwhelming. The project has been so embraced.
What inspires you?
The uniqueness of people. The human condition. People’s stories. I’m also inspired by the willingness to be authentic and vulnerable. That inspires me more than anything. That is strength to me.
