The Writing on the Wall is a shape-shifting collaboration initiated by professor and activist Dr. Baz Dreisinger, artist Hank Willis Thomas, and thousands of artists and writers in prison across the world. With the aim of emulating a prison cell, the physical presentation of The Writing on the Wall re-envisions this unseen space in a public sphere to create a contemplative, verbal, and visual display that humanizes those who are implicated by the prison system. 

In response to the global pandemic's dire impact on the entire world, The Writing on the Wall transformed its 600 square foot installation into a digital version that took over cityscapes. By partnering with local projection collectives, the artwork was featured guerilla-style on “justice” buildings (i.e. jails & courts) and iconic sites in New York City, Washington DC, Columbus, Mexico City, Chicago, Boise, Miami, and London. This transformation also includes the writings wheat pasted in certain neighborhoods across the U.S. that feature QR codes to link those inquisitive to research more about the justice work.

Artist: Hank Willis Thomas

Negative Space: Public Art Project Management, Engagement Strategy, and On-Site Installation Support

Collaborators: Dr. Baz Dreisinger, Openbox, MASS Design Group and Chemistry Creative

2019–Present, various locations across U.S.

Multimedia installation, UV Vinyl-printed Polycarbonate panels, 42 x 15 x 8 ft ~ 630 sq.ft.

Learn more at The Writing On The Wall, Incarceration Nations Network, Openbox, Chemistry Creative