Humanizing voices and images

Through the power of oil portraiture

Behind every story is a backstory.

Faces of Mass Incarceration is an art project that seeks to humanize people who have been impacted by mass incarceration, first or second hand. This collection of portraits documents the stories of people who have been incarcerated, people with family members incarcerated, or people who have been impacted by crime.

If you sit with someone long enough, any stranger can become a friend.

As I paint, each person is given the space to share their story, which is recorded in audio form for the world to listen. My hope is to show each person that they have value and that their traumas matter. Sometimes it takes another person to see the humanity in you for you to see it in yourself. These portraits seek to honor the dignity in each individual.”

— Megumi Nakazawa, Artist

Christine

Larry

Michael

Jen

Christian

Boanergez

Join the Movement

50% of all proceeds are allocated to the project, 50% supports the artist financially.

Upcoming exhibitions

  • The Untold Story of Mass Incarceration

    9.28-29 10:30AM-6:00PM

    An exhibition in collaboration with The Untold Story Bookstore.

    Tickets

  • Irvine Valley College 2nd Annual Premier Event

    1.29.25 7:00-8:00PM

    Focusing on the female experiences with incarceration, this exhibition will be highlight portraits of women. Movie screening of “Rebound” followed with panel discussion.

“My experience with being painted by Megumi was so much more than I expected. I thought I was just helping out a friend of a friend, but what ended up happening was that I had a very powerful therapeutic experience and I met someone who has become like one of my family members and who I also discovered has a very special ability to work with others in a way of helping them heal from their trauma and pain. I am one of those that Megumi has helped along with my family, and I’ve met many others who have had the same experience after meeting her and participating in her project. I am very grateful for the blessing of my path crossing with Megumi’s and to be involved with a project that is fostering dignity and restoration to broken people is a gift. My deepest thanks and utmost respect to you Megumi for who you are and what you represent.” — Johnny Bocanfuso