Diversion Print

Parallel Lines is a multi-disciplinary interactive art installation and social engagement project by Amanta Scott — encompassing a series of photo-based encaustic paintings centred around a prison bed, a prison suitcase and an individual; two interactive sculpture installations featuring prison beds from the former Kingston Penitentiary for Women; storytelling and workshops. Centred around the idea that we create a prison for ourselves through our beliefs — Parallel Lines explores questions of perception and choice. Parallel Lines also explores issues of incarceration and freedom, alienation and community, desperation and hope. The title Parallel Lines refers to the parallel bars of the physical, emotional and psychological prisons where all of us find ourselves from time to time. It also refers to how parallel lines appear to converge in the distance just as seemingly opposing view-points can converge with a new perspective. Parallel Lines draws attention to the continued challenges of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples to overcome their history of incarceration on reserves, at residential schools and in prisons. It also highlights the plight of refugees fleeing war and hardship in their own countries and their struggle to build new lives in Canada. Parallel Lines draws people of all ages, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds to engage intimately with contemporary art and share their stories. Parallel Lines is an empowering, socially relevant project, providing a platform for people to express themselves and be heard. Background: In the 19080's, working with Canadian Association in Solidarity with Native Peoples, I met a Cree youth who told me that by age 16 he had lived in 14 foster homes; and one day, he was so depressed, figuring no one wanted him — he threw a shovel through a jeweller’s window convinced: at least he’d be wanted in jail. I met him at an Elder's Conference, where he was rebuilding his life in the wake of harrowing experiences in jail. He observed how his decision had not been the wisest choice he could have made. I realized: we create a prison for ourselves through our beliefs. The choices we make are governed by an entirely subjective perception of reality. Years later, when I was commissioned to create art utilizing materials recycled from government buildings, Correctional Services Canada asked if I might be able to do anything with prison beds from the former Kingston Penitentiary for Women. I created the interactive sculpture installation "15 Minutes of Fame" — featuring a prison bed; a standard-issue prison suitcase containing a variety of permissible personal items; and an individual — in memory of him and conceived Parallel Lines. Visitors' responses to its first exhibition (Art Gallery of Algoma, 2004) prompted me to commence the encaustic painting series; and from there evolved the other elements in the project. Visit my website for more details. http://www.amantascott.com/parallellines/

Print:Giclee on Fine Art Paper

Size:10 W x 8 H x 0.1 D in

Size with Frame:15.25 W x 13.25 H x 1.2 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.