Context Library Series

Voices on the Inside 

A Poetic Justice Self-Portrait Poetry and Photography Exhibit

Voices On The Inside is a Poetic Justice where individuals incarcerated in women’s state prisons are given the opportunity to direct their own self-portrait in collaboration with photographer Lisa Loftus and the Poetic Justice team. Their portraits are inspired by a self-portrait poem that they wrote, giving them agency over their narratives. 

The carceral system was originally developed by men (for men) but as of 2025, the U.S. is incarcerating 190,000 people in women’s jails and prisons alone (not including the thousands on parole, probation, immigration detention, and juvenile prisons).

This is of critical importance because 98% of Poetic Justice participants report having survived sexual, physical, and mental abuse prior to their incarceration, yet the system still functions by imposing punitive measures that re-trigger past experiences. These practices do not reduce harm for incarcerated folks or for correctional officers, but rehabilitation through the arts has proven to reduce harm and recidivism.

A self-portrait allows us to transform, confront, and empower. Through these photos and poems, they tell their stories.

Installation Images