Art from the Inside

Please enjoy the artwork of individuals we have interviewed while incarcerated. Their palate provides insight into the struggles incarcerated people face while revealing their life behind the bars. The art within this gallery gives our artists an outlet to express their thoughts, feelings, pains and dreams in a positive way that may not be possible in any other form. The art you see here is their outlet. They use seven elements to create: line, color, value, shape, form, space, and texture. We hope their work will expand your knowledge, understanding and appreciation surrounding the difficulties incarcerated individuals endure.

Featured Artist

Jon’s Gallery

Jon’s Gallery

  Artist JonJon, 42 years old Incarcerated: 7 years I  found Christ and my spiritual life has grown along with my faith and hope. I am sharing with Humans of San Quentin to give back and hopefully share some smiles, positivity, and inspire others. I love volunteering...

Jon’s Gallery

  Artist JonJon, 42 years old Incarcerated: 7 years I  found Christ and my spiritual life has grown along with my faith and hope. I am sharing with Humans of San Quentin to give back and hopefully share some smiles, positivity, and inspire others. I love volunteering and giving back. I never sell...

read more
Gerardo’s Gallery

Gerardo’s Gallery

  Artist Gerardo "Jerry" "Junebug"Gerardo “Jerry” “Junebug”, 39Incarcerated: 16 yearsHoused: Centinela State Prison, Imperial, California Prior to prison I was a college athlete running track and playing baseball. I had a full time job as a fitness...

read more
Eric’s Gallery

Eric’s Gallery

A nineteenth century American painter once observed that the purpose of art is not to teach, but to evoke an emotion. I hope the works that I present to the world today evoke emotions and express who I am today. It is liberating to be seen in my authenticity.

read more
Kit’s Gallery

Kit’s Gallery

Thank you Lord for the wisdom of the fox; had I continued on the destructive path of an angry wolf, I would have never discovered the narrow path which leads me home – FREEDOM!!! I was found suitable for parole on July 8, 2022.

read more
Robert’s Gallery

Robert’s Gallery

What’s my motivation? Someday I’ll be out there sitting on the hood of a 64 watching a beautiful sunset…… right after I learn how to drive.

read more
George’s Gallery

George’s Gallery

Today at 76, I have seen enough darkness. I know this darkness can only be dissipated by the light of truth and love.

read more
Paul’s Gallery

Paul’s Gallery

Since I do not have the benefit of viewing things in the real world then painting them, I rely on my imagination.

read more
Jorge’s Gallery

Jorge’s Gallery

Art is a perfect way for those of us incarcerated to reach out to society and show we’re more than just criminals.

read more
Mark’s Gallery

Mark’s Gallery

My life in art began after a life-threatening illness when I was five years old. Since that time art has become a manner through which I express thoughts, feelings and perceptions to share with others. I enjoy creating things that represent aspects of our humanity. Sometimes we forget our higher selves. Sometimes we forget the inner beauty we carry within, burying it under layers of conditioned reactions. So I offer the reminder with Illuminations and Wisdom In Blue.

read more

Receive more inspiring stories and news from incarcerated people around the world.