Abstract

I made this drawing in 2016 as cover for our prison newsletter. I have been in prison for many years. I wanted this drawing to be a metaphor of what I think is the usual relationship between prison staff and prisoners. The snake represents the prevailing justice system and how it works in jail. The snake disguises itself in the wall, always ready, sneaking in and out to look upon the prisoner and prey on him, but never in the open. The system always wants us to be responsible but simultaneously creates a completely impossible environment in which to show that responsibility, driving prisoners to absurd situations if they attempt to follow the rules and powerless to defend themselves from the results.

The snake is still there today, but fortunately I keep it in the wall, away from me as much as possible.

--Loco (M.B.)