ABOUT THE ARTIST
Kirsta Niemie Benedetti is a Social Impact Artist based in Columbus, where she has dedicated the past decade to developing her unique blend of art-making and community development. After founding the Riverview International Center, she transitioned to integrating her art practice with her commitment to social change. Kirsta’s recent work combines portrait painting with storytelling to celebrate and elevate the voices of individuals marginalized by society, highlighting their beauty and value through her art.
LIFE IS PRECIOUS ARTIST STATEMENT
In my artistic journey, I have embarked on a profound exploration of humanity within the confines of a prison system, seeking to capture the vibrancy and value of incarcerated women through the medium of portraiture and storytelling installations.
The subjects of my portraits are women who have faced unimaginable challenges and societal judgments, yet they remain individuals with unique stories, experiences, and emotions. Through the art, I aim to peel away the stigmatization and preconceived notions that often shroud those behind bars, emphasizing the inherent worth and dignity that every person possesses. My work amplifies the good and the beautiful in each of these women and becomes a conduit of empathy and respect.
The process for this body of work starts with establishing a genuine connection with the women, spending over 2 years at the prison listening to their stories, and understanding them as people first instead of inmates. In doing so, I learn about their dreams, their fears, and the profound human connections that have shaped their lives. These stories serve as the foundation upon which my art is built and enables me to portray the women authentically.
Within each portrait, vibrant colors accentuate the remarkable vitality present in each woman. I cut out from the painting’s surface the state-issued prison uniform that symbolizes their identity as an inmate leaving a negative space, I then collaborate with each woman to fill that space with 3D objects that represent them more than their crime.
My artistic approach transcends traditional portraiture, combining various forms of storytelling and installation art to create interactive experiences. Through the installations, my work fosters a dialogue between those on both sides of the prison divide.
The goal of the art is to humanize those who have been marginalized and forgotten within the prison system, while also challenging the public to confront our collective responsibility in perpetuating mass incarceration in America. My art aspires to be a bridge—a means of connecting hearts and minds to the realities faced by those behind bars, and to inspire reflection on how we might contribute to a more just and compassionate society.
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