Art Installations

Erin Weckerlie: Evidence

Evidence fills Eastern State's Cellblock 8 with a carpet of prison-issue pillows. The pillows are sewn together creating a grid-like, quilted surface covering the massive stone corridor and cell floors. Inmate numbers are embroidered on the pillowcases, further suggesting the prisoners to whom the pillows would have belonged, and personalizing a seemingly inhumane prison issued number.

The installation encourages the public to rethink the landscape of the prison interior. The pillows metaphorically soften the historically harsh environment. Through physically filling and softening the space, Ms. Weckerle has created a playful visual suggestion to be interpreted by the viewer, but not prescriptive or definite in its intended response.

Erin Weckerle received M.F.A. from Yale University School of Arts and a B.F.A. in painting from Tyler School of Art. She is a member of Vox Populi gallery/artists' co-op.