Basic Necessities
Exhibition dates: September 7 – October 6, 2018
Opening reception: September 7 , 2018 | 6-8 PM
Gallery: LES Gallery
Participating Artist: Michelle Repiso
Basic Necessities is a visual and audio installation photographed by Michelle Repiso that documents one person's approach to maintaining his humanity while incarcerated. Shane Ennover, now 29, was incarcerated for a total of seven years due to a string of bank robberies that he committed in 2007. During his time in solitary confinement, and throughout his incarceration, Shane created art and sculptures out of basic necessities which consisted of toilet paper, water, and soap.
Repiso's work documents the highly personal objects that Shane crafted out of household materials that people ordinarily use and discard. This installation is themed around Shane's experience and creativity in a prison cell and it addresses how one person was able to maintain a level of normality during a very challenging period of his life. Toilet paper was a material he could transform into a rose and send as a memento to keep his relationship thriving while he was away. Mini bars of soap became sculptures that were given to inmates so they could, in turn, give them to family members as gifts during visitation.
Basic Necessities demonstrates man's need for communication and connection within our environment, no matter how harsh. Shane devised a way he could continue playing chess while in solitary. Chess pieces were created out of toilet paper and a numbering system was shouted to and from fellow inmates indicating what move to make on the board. Every piece that is photographed and exhibited represents an object that Shane created during incarceration.
I would like to exhibit my work at The Clemente/Abrazo Interno Gallery because it's an inspiring cultural center and my work can reach a targeted audience that has a connection with The Clemente and the Lower East Side. Both artists live on the Lower East Side and have a great interest and investment in the community. Shane is an engaging speaker and has presented his story and life experiences in many venues. I believe The Clemente would be a great venue to have a presentation where Shane can discuss his time before, during and after incarceration. He made good use of his time both mentally and physically while incarcerated, and I would like to highlight the positive transformation that transpired from the negative life experiences of addiction (the catalyst for his incarceration) and his overall incarceration experiences. Shane will also demonstrate how he created some of the items out of toilet paper, water and soap. By engaging and sharing his skills with the community, I hope to promote a social dialogue while keeping things light-hearted.
