About the Project
Bars & Gates: COPY+PASTE+DELETE
The objective of this project is to spark dialogue about the cycles in individuals and families impacted by mass incarceration. TThe primary audience for this project is anyone seeking to gain more knowledge and insight into the effects of mass incarceration. This project will consist of three layers that will create one body of art. The layers of this project will be in the following order:
LAYER 1: 5- to 10-minute documentary of impacted individuals.
LAYER 2: 5 to 8 expressive art pieces (paintings) reflecting individuals, families, and communities affected by mass incarceration.
LAYER 3: 3- to 5-song soundtrack reflective of the mood of the project that will play throughout the documentary and art presentation.
Video documentation will be recorded throughout the process for later use for educational purposes. Each element of this project will be aimed to educate viewers in a non traditional way to inform them about the effects of mass incarceration and how impacted individuals are either choosing to repeat the cycle or to change the narrative, hence the secondary title COPY+PASTE+DELETE.
Back to the 2021 Envisioning Justice Commissioned Artists & Humanists Listing
About the Artist
Antonio Burton
Antonio L. Burton, also known as “Toni Picasso,” is a native of Decatur, IL. His faith in Jesus Christ has fueled his fluent gift in all arts, mediums, and skills.
In 2012, Antonio earned a bachelor’s in 2-D Design with an emphasis in painting from Eastern Illinois University. Since then he has hit the ground running laying a foundation in his field of study as a freelance artist in both Illinois and Missouri.
Antonio’s hope is to paint into the heart of others a new color of life that will not only inspire others but impact communities using the gifts God has given him.
Learn More and Follow Antonio
Back to the 2021 Envisioning Justice Commissioned Artists & Humanists Listing
About Illinois Humanities' Envisioning Justice program
Envisioning Justice brings Illinois together to examine and reimagine the criminal legal system through the arts and humanities.
Envisioning Justice leverages the arts and humanities to envision alternatives to the enduring injustice of mass incarceration. This Illinois Humanities initiative works with communities and people impacted by mass incarceration to spark conversation and illuminate community-based strategies that address our racist and unjust criminal legal system.
From 2017 to 2019, Envisioning Justice was concentrated in Chicago. Moving forward, Illinois Humanities is expanding this initiative and its attendant activities throughout the state. As a part of this next phase of Envisioning Justice, we will host and document community conversations, provide grant opportunities, and commission projects by artists and humanists working to shift the narrative around incarceration and system impacted communities.
Learn more about the Envisioning Justice program, including upcoming events and grant offerings.
Back to the 2021 Envisioning Justice Commissioned Artists & Humanists Listing