People experiencing homelessness or who are incarcerated have been disportionately affected by the coronavirus. This week, a Boise collective is highlighting their stories with an outdoor exhibit.
Joshua McGiboney is one of the artists. He is currently in Idaho’s correctional system. Anthony Yenason from the collective[unnamed project]reads an excerpt from McGiboney’s piece titled “Hugs & Kisses”:
Think of when you were little & scraped your knee, your mom or grandma may have kissed you better.
What about your first kiss from a boy or girl you liked.
How about when your parents died & you hugged your relatives.
This list is endless. Imagine a life for people who will never experience these joys & comforts.
The ISO: DISTANCE art pop-up features photos and letters of people experiencing homelessness or who are incarcerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These are people who are members of our community and they so often are marginalized to such a degree that their voices aren't heard in any way," says Yenason.
They said the project found and commissioned artists through personal relationships or community efforts like mutual aid. The organizers raised money so they could pay the artists.
Yenason hopes the exhibit will give viewers a better understanding of the impact the virus has had on these populations.
The first pop-up exhibit is at Rhodes Skatepark from 4-7 p.m on October 29. The art will be displayed again on November 2 outside Boise City Hall from 1-5 p.m. The [unnamed project] asks visitors to maintain distancing and to wear masks.
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