The Center for Art & Advocacy is currently hosting a solo exhibition by Gilberto Rivera that delves into the themes of confinement and liberation. Titled “Jailbirds,” the exhibition features a series of mixed-media collages that depict various avian species within the confines of a prison cell, all mapped onto wooden panels.
Rivera, who spent two decades behind bars himself, draws on the concept of recidivism—the tendency for individuals to repeatedly return to prison. Through his artwork, he explores the cyclical nature of incarceration and the dehumanizing language often used within the penal system, where individuals are reduced to mere numbers instead of being recognized by their names.
Birds, known for their ability to fly and symbolize freedom, take center stage in Rivera’s collages. From parrots to herons, pelicans, and pigeons, these creatures are portrayed in environments filled with activist imagery. The walls of the cells are adorned with snippets of magazines, newspapers, protest signs, and other materials, transforming the stark prison setting into a space of potential and hope.
For those experiencing incarceration, the act of creating a world within the confines of a cell is a vital form of survival. Rivera’s artwork reflects this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of imagination and creativity in challenging circumstances. By envisioning a world where freedom and liberation are possible, the artist highlights the power of self-expression and the need to shape the world we desire to live in.
“Jailbirds” marks Rivera’s first solo exhibition and is currently on display in Brooklyn until February 15. To explore more of the artist’s work, you can follow him on Instagram.
