Holiday, Atlanta. GA, 2016,
Verso archival print,
20 x 24 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP,
For Sale: $2500,
16 x 20 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP,
For Sale: $2000
Stephen, Appling. GA, 2017,
Verso archival print,
20 x 24 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP,
For Sale: $2500,
16 x 20 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP,
For Sale: $2000
Amir, Atlanta. GA, 2016,
Verso archival print,
20 x 24 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP
For Sale: $2500,
16 x 20 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP,
For Sale: $2000
Mick, Atlanta. GA, 2016,
Verso archival print,
20 x 24 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP,
For Sale: $2500,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP,
For Sale: $2000
Alex, Appling. GA, 2017,
Verso Archival Print,
20 x 24 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP,
For Sale: $2500,
16 x 20 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP,
For Sale: $2000
Rowan, Appling. GA, 2016,
Verso archival print,
20 x 24 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP,
For Sale: $2500,
16 x 20 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP,
For Sale: $2000
Oyle, Atlanta GA, 2016,
Verso archival print,
20 x 24 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP,
For Sale: $2500,
16 x 20 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP,
For Sale: $2000
Shawn, Atlanta. GA, 2016,
Verso archival print,
20 x 24 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP,
For Sale: $2500
16 x 20 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP,
For Sale: $2000
Jacob, Appling. GA, 2016,
Verso archival print,
20 x 24 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP
For Sale: $2500
16 x 20 in,
Editions 1-5, AP1, AP2 of 5 + 2AP
For Sale: $2000
19/32 (Not the Man I Once Was), 2009-2016 / 20x24 (edition of 5), 30x40 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
Portrait of a man 19 years into his Life without Parole (solitary) sentence where the ratio of years spent in prison to years alive determined the level of image loss.
Three Years out of a Life Sentence (Sky), 2009-2016 / 20x24 (edition of 5), 30x40 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
A pen pal serving a life without the possibility of parole sentence in a maximum security prison (solitary confinement) described being able to see the sky through a metal grated skylight in the small concrete exercise area he was permitted in by himself for one hour a day. The additional 23 hours were spent in isolation. This image was constructed out of his description of the open sky he wished to see.
Four Years out of a Life Sentence (Sky), 2009-2016 / 20x24 (edition of 5), 30x40 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
A pen pal serving a life without the possibility of parole sentence in a maximum security prison (solitary confinement) described being able to see the sky through a metal grated skylight in the small concrete exercise area he was permitted in by himself for one hour a day. The additional 23 hours were spent in isolation. This image was constructed out of his description of the open sky he wished to see.
Fourteen Years out of a Life Sentence (Sky), 2009-2016 / Dimensions and Editions: 20x24 (edition of 5), 30x40 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
A pen pal serving a life without the possibility of parole sentence in a maximum security prison (solitary confinement) described being able to see the sky through a metal grated skylight in the small concrete exercise area he was permitted in by himself for one hour a day. The additional 23 hours were spent in isolation. This image was constructed out of his description of the open sky he wished to see.
Nineteen Years out of a Life Sentence (Sky), 2009-2016 / 20x24 (edition of 5), 30x40 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
A pen pal serving a life without the possibility of parole sentence in a maximum security prison (solitary confinement) described being able to see the sky through a metal grated skylight in the small concrete exercise area he was permitted in by himself for one hour a day. The additional 23 hours were spent in isolation. This image was constructed out of his description of the open sky he wished to see.
Prison Food Tray acquired from Ebay, 2009-2016 / 16x20 (edition of 5), 20x24 (edition of 5)
Portrait of a man 13 years into his death row sentence, where the ratio of years spent in prison to years alive determined the level of image loss, 2009-2016 / 20x24 (edition of 5), 30x40 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
Four Years out of a Death Row Sentence (Forest), 2009-2016 / 20x30 (edition of 5), 30x45 (edition of 5) and 40x60 (edition of 5)
A pen pal 13 years into his death row sentence describes a childhood memory of taking refuge in the forest throughout his youth.
Seven Years out of a Death Row Sentence (Forest), 2009-2016 / 20x30 (edition of 5), 30x45 (edition of 5) and 40x60 (edition of 5)
A pen pal 13 years into his death row sentence describes a childhood memory of taking refuge in the forest throughout his youth.
Nine Years out of a Death Row Sentence (Forest), 2009-2016 / 20x30 (edition of 5), 30x45 (edition of 5) and 40x60 (edition of 5)
A pen pal 13 years into his death row sentence describes a childhood memory of taking refuge in the forest throughout his youth.
Fictional Library, 2009-2016 / 16x20 (edition of 5), 20x24 (edition of 5)
26/44 (Not the Man I Once Was), 2009-2016 / Portrait of a man 26 years into his death row sentence, where the ratio of years spent in prison to years alive determined the level of image loss / 20x24 (edition of 5), 30x40 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
Four Years out of a Death Row Sentence (Ocean), 2009-2016 / 20x24 (edition of 5), 30x40 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
A pen pal 26 years into his sentence in a landlocked prison, described an early childhood memory that haunted him, of walking further and further into the ocean during low tide until the sudden depth and darkness before him overcame him with fear.
Ten Years out of a Death Row Sentence (Ocean), 2009-2016 / 20x24 (edition of 5), 30x40 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
A pen pal 26 years into his sentence in a landlocked prison, described an early childhood memory that haunted him, of walking further and further into the ocean during low tide until the sudden depth and darkness before him overcame him with fear.
Twenty-six Years out of a Death Row Sentence (Ocean), 2009-2016 / Dimensions and Editions: 20x24 (edition of 5), 30x40 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
A pen pal 26 years into his sentence in a landlocked prison, described an early childhood memory that haunted him, of walking further and further into the ocean during low tide until the sudden depth and darkness before him overcame him with fear.
Diego Rivera (Loss), 2009-2016 / 6x20 (edition of 5), 20x24 (edition of 5) / As described when asking a man serving a life w/o parole sentence in solitary confinement how he made his cell feel more like home. He had at one point decorated his cell with Diego Rivera prints. After numerous times of them being torn down during shakedowns he decided to leave his walls bare 1
14/38 (Not the Man I Once Was), 2009-2016 / 20x24 (edition of 5), 30x40 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
Portrait of a man 14 years into his death row sentence, where the ratio of years spent in prison to years alive determined the level of image loss.
Five Years out of a Death Row Sentence (Dying Wish- Ratama Tree), 2009-2016 / 20x24 (edition of 5), 30x40 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
A pen pal facing his swiftly approaching execution describes his dying wish.
Twelve Years out of a Death Row Sentence (Dying Wish- Ratama Tree), 2009-2016 / 20x24 (edition of 5), 30x40 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
A pen pal facing his swiftly approaching execution describes his dying wish.
Fourteen Years out of a Death Row Sentence (Dying Wish- Ratama Tree), 2009-2016 / 20x24 (edition of 5), 30x40 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
A pen pal facing his swiftly approaching execution describes his dying wish.
Cement Study #2, 2009-2016 / 16x20 (edition of 5), 20x24 (edition of 5)
17/35 (Not the Man I Once Was), 2009-2016 / 20x24 (edition of 5), 30x40 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
Portrait of a man 17 years into his death row sentence, where the ratio of years spent in prison to years alive determined the level of image loss.
Six Years out of a Death Row Sentence (Cave), 2009-2016 / 20x30 (edition of 5), 30x45 (edition of 5) and 40x60 (edition of 5)
A pen pal 17 years into his death row sentence describes growing up in Southern California and the cave he and his friends gathered at as teens.
Eight Years out of a Death Row Sentence (Cave), 2009-2016 / 20x30 (edition of 5), 30x45 (edition of 5) and 40x60 (edition of 5)
A pen pal 17 years into his death row sentence describes growing up in Southern California and the cave he and his friends gathered at as teens.
Seventeen Years out of a Death Row Sentence (Cave), 2009-2016 / 20x30 (edition of 5), 30x45 (edition of 5) and 40x60 (edition of 5)
A pen pal 17 years into his death row sentence describes growing up in Southern California and the cave he and his friends gathered at as teens.
An Accumulation of Prison Correspondence, 2009-2016 / Dimensions and Editions: 16x20 (edition of 5), 20x24 (edition of 5)
15/30 (Not the Man I Once Was), 2009-2016 / 20x24 (edition of 5), 30x40 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
Portrait of a man 15 years into his life sentence, where the ratio of years spent in prison to years alive determined the level of image loss.
Four Years out of a Life Sentence (Desert), 2009-2016 / 20x30 (edition of 5), 30x45 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
A pen pal 15 years into his life sentence describes the landscape he grew up with, also sharing the memory of the night he and two young men set out on a road trip through this stark landscape, landing him with second degree murder and robbery charges at the age of 15.
Eight Years out of a Life Sentence (Desert), 2009-2016 / 20x30 (edition of 5), 30x45 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
A pen pal 15 years into his life sentence describes the landscape he grew up with, also sharing the memory of the night he and two young men set out on a road trip through this stark landscape, landing him with second degree murder and robbery charges at the age of 15.
Fifteen Years out of a Life Sentence (Desert), 2009-2016 / 20x30 (edition of 5), 30x45 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
A pen pal 15 years into his life sentence describes the landscape he grew up with, also sharing the memory of the night he and two young men set out on a road trip through this stark landscape, landing him with second degree murder and robbery charges at the age of 15.
Handmade Jump Rope (torn and braided bed sheet), 2009-2016 / 16x20 (edition of 5), 20x24 (edition of 5)
As described by a man who spent 15 years in solitary confinement on death row before being executed in March of 2012.
Title: Handmade Jump Rope (torn and braided bed sheet), 2009-2016 / 16x20 (edition of 5), 20x24 (edition of 5)
As described by a man who spent 15 years in solitary confinement on death row before being executed in March of 2012.
13/32 (Not the Man I Once Was), 2009-2016 / 20x30 (edition of 5), 30x45 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
Portrait of a man 13 years into his death row sentence, where the ratio of years spent in prison to years alive determined the level of image loss.
Three Years out of a Death Row Sentence (River), 2009-2016 / 20x30 (edition of 5), 30x45 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
A pen pal serving a death row sentence describes being baptized several years ago. The Father had to reach through the bars to touch him, even with such restrictions he remembers the touch as electric. Despite the act of the baptism he feared it wasn’t good enough to save him. He longed to do a full submersion baptism in a river, like Jesus had.
Eleven Years out of a Death Row Sentence (River), 2009-2016 / Dimensions and Editions: 20x30 (edition of 5), 30x45 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
A pen pal serving a death row sentence describes being baptized several years ago. The Father had to reach through the bars to touch him, even with such restrictions he remembers the touch as electric. Despite the act of the baptism he feared it wasn’t good enough to save him. He longed to do a full submersion baptism in a river, like Jesus had.
36- Title: Thirteen Years out of a Death Row Sentence (River), 2009-2016 / 20x30 (edition of 5), 30x45 (edition of 5) and 40x50 (edition of 5)
A pen pal serving a death row sentence describes being baptized several years ago. The Father had to reach through the bars to touch him, even with such restrictions he remembers the touch as electric. Despite the act of the baptism he feared it wasn’t good enough to save him. He longed to do a full submersion baptism in a river, like Jesus had.
Envelope Art sent from Death Row, 2009-2016 / 16x20 (edition of 5), 20x24 (edition of 5)
Amy Elkins (b. 1979 Venice, CA) is a photographer currently based in the Greater Los Angeles area. She received her BFA in Photography from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She has been exhibited and published both nationally and internationally, including at The High Museum of Art in Atlanta, GA; Kunsthalle Wien in Vienna, Austria; the Center for Creative Photography in Tucson, AZ; the Minneapolis Institute of Arts; North Carolina Museum of Art; Light Work Gallery in Syracuse, Aperture Gallery and Yancey Richardson Gallery in New York, De Soto Gallery in Los Angeles, the Houston Center for Photography in Houston, TX among others.
Elkins has been awarded The Lightwork Artist-in-Residence in Syracuse, NY in 2011, the Villa Waldberta International Artist-in-Residence in Munich, Germany in 2012, the Aperture Prize and the Latitude Artist-in-Residence in 2014 and The Peter S. Reed Foundation Grant in 2015.
Elkins' first book Black is the Day, Black is the Night won the 2017 Lucie Independent Book Award. It was Shortlisted for the 2017 Mack First Book Award and the 2016 Paris Photo-Aperture Foundation Photobook Prize as well as listed as one of the Best Photobooks of 2016 by TIME, Humble Arts Foundation, Photobook Store Magazine and Photo-Eye among others.
Her work stems out of an exploration of masculinity and male identity often within constructed or impermanent environments. Elkins’ earlier work, Wallflower (2004-2008), looks into the nuances of gender identity, vulnerability and the female gaze. She later went on to investigate aspects of male identity and athleticism through projects Elegant Violence (2010), where she documented young Ivy League rugby players moments after a game and Danseur (2012), looking to young male ballet dancers moments after intensive training.
In 2016 Elkins returned to the Wallflower portrait. Though unlike the original series, which aimed the lens at cisgender men almost entirely photographed within her personal space, Wallflower II explores a much broader sense of masculine identity- shot in the personal space of strangers in urban and rural Georgia upon first meeting and found through online calls / searches surrounding ideas of masculinity and gender in the American South. The work aims to confront socially constructed ideas and standards surrounding both gender and masculinity, vulnerability and beauty.
In 2009 Elkins began working on Black is the Day, Black is the Night, which stretched over a span of 8 years. The project explores how memory and notions of self are impacted by isolation and long term imprisonment. This work was made directly through correspondence with men serving life and death row sentences in some of the most maximum security prisons in the US. It is often shown side by side with Parting Words, a visual and macabre archive created out of state sourced material of the 500+ prisoners to date executed in the state of Texas.