SHADOWS IN THE LIGHT: Brushing Beyond Mass Incarceration

Megumi Nakazawa, the founder of Faces of Mass Incarceration, is a 22-year-old artist who uses oil portraiture to tell stories of the formerly incarcerated, system-impacted, and survivors of crime. Faces of Mass Incarceration challenges stigmas and seeks to dignify and uplift the image of those who are often outcasts in society. With the goal of painting 100 portraits, Megumi paints each person from life in a span of 2-3 hours. As she paints, the subjects are given the freedom to share their stories. These stories are documented in audio form, giving viewers the opportunity to see the humanity, beauty, and dignity in each individual.

She came to the United States to attend college just as the world was locking down due to COVID-19. Megumi faced new realities in a hyper-polarized country while using art to lift those who have been incarcerated or system-impacted.