In her new body of work, Black is the Day, Black is the Night, Amy Elkins broadens her artistic practice in a very exciting way. The series utilizes portraits, text pieces, layered/manipulated photographs, aerial land images as well as found objects.

13/32 (Not the Man I Once Was), 2009 [from "Black is the Day, Black is the Night"]
© Amy Elkins

The Real May Never Equal the Imagined, 2009 [from "Black is the Day, Black is the Night"]
© Amy Elkins

36 Months out of a Life Sentence, 2009 [from "Black is the Day, Black is the Night"]
© Amy Elkins

Elsewhere #7, 2009 [from "Black is the Day, Black is the Night"]
© Amy Elkins

Food Tray, 2009 (Found Object) [from "Black is the Day, Black is the Night"]
© Amy Elkins
In Amy’s words,
“Black is the Day, Black is the Night” is a work in progress, surrounding the correspondence between several men serving Life and Death Row sentences throughout the United States and myself. All of these men have served over 13 years in confinement, going in as young as 13, 15 and 18.
The text pieces, digital composites, appropriated images and portraits are constructed or digitally manipulated through formulas specific to each inmates shared story. Age, years spent in prison and location become part of the basic equation; while personal longings, memories and reflections create additional layers.
In one regard, this project is about a connection between strangers, both able to share a reality unbeknownst to the other. The works are inspired by an evolving relationship; as pen pals, confessionals, strangers and comrades. In another regard, the works are meant to bring light to our nations prison systems and use of capitol punishment.
A selection of works from the project are on view through Feb. 21st in “Homesick,” a group exhibition at The Carnegie Art Museum in Oxnard, CA.
See more from Black is the Day, Black is the Night on Amy’s website.