REFLECT:
Convict's Letters
Photographer Trent Bell
October 7th to November 6th
Opening Reception/Artist Talk:
Thursday, October 23rd- noon-2pm
In early 2013, commercial photographer Trent Bell was shocked by the news that a friend – an educated professional, a husband, and a father of four children – had been sentenced to thirty-six years in prison. Over the proceeding months, Bell found himself hunted by not only his friend's bad decisions and loss of freedom, but also moments in his own life when things could have easily taken a bad turn.
“There were times when my son would look up and smile at me,” recalls Bell, “and the finality of my friends situation would rush into mu head and I would hear a cold voice say: '...there, nut for the grace of God, go I...'”
Bell, who is known for his architectural photography in publications such as the Conde Nast Traveler, Design New England, and the New York Times, soon conceived of a photo project that would merge large-scale portraits of inmates in the Maine prison system with handwritten letters the convicts composed as though writing to their younger selves.
“our bad choices can contain untold loss, remorse, and regret,” says Bell, “but the positive value of these bad choices might be immeasurable if we can face them, admit to them, learn from them and find the strength to share.” —Trent Bell
The Danforth Gallery is located in Jewett Hall. Gallery hours are Monday - Wednesday 9:00am - 5:00 pm, Thursdays and Fridays 9:00am - 2:00pm.
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For more information about Trent Bell visit his website: http://trentbell.com