Justice for Kathryn by Kevin Dowling
Medium: mixed media photo collage and painting
Dimensions: 24 x 36
Artist Statement: I had a conversation with Etta, about the theme and how to capture it visually. I told her that my life and connection with my daughter was the theme. Kathryn, my daughter, was born after my incarceration and contrary to all the stats she has grown into a wonderfully successful woman. Somehow over the 45 minute video visit with Etta and Ricky the idea came to me to use some of the thousands of pictures I have documenting my daughter's life, but how? I used the one image that represents the entire "system", Lady Justice. Then I wondered if people have ever taken the time to understand the true definition of justice, so I included key words from that definition and their meanings. The most difficult element of this piece was parting with the oh so meaningful memories of my wonderful daughter, which I know I can never get back. These photos represent her life... A high school graduate who who put herself through an accredited college, Washington and Jefferson while working as a youth and family support specialist at Presley Ridge Foster Care Services. Then furthering her education with nursing school to accomplish her childhood dream of becoming a medical professional helping others. She now works in the intensive care unit at Ruby Memorial Hospital. The sacrifice of these keepsakes is worth it even if only one person is reached, and I know my daughter would agree. If " Justice" is meant to be used equally among all humans then the question this piece asks is where is the justice for a wonderfully successful woman who credits her Father with being the inspiration for her entire life and only wants the opportunity to share some of her life with her Father the same way all of the other people in her life share with their loved ones... Is she not deserving, where is her "Justice"?
Detail Images:
Image description: Large art piece with a painted background that blends neon colors from blue, purple, pink, orange, and yellow. The center of the image is a large mosaic style collage made of photographs of a feminine person, ranging in age from baby to adulthood. The photographs are cut and arranged in a starburst from the center, and together compose the image of lady liberty holding the scales of justice. Surrounding the collage are large words painted in transparent white including “Justice,” “Judge,” “Moral,” “Just,” “Reasonable,” and “Righteous.” Each of these words is overlayed with a definition of the word in black painted script. Below the feel of the lady libery collage, a plinth is painted in black with the words “Justice for Kathryn.”