Right to Life

 

We all see contradictions in viewpoints that differ from our own. Right to Life became an exceptionally moving image for us as we were creating it. In our work, as we become everywoman/man—whether consciously or not—we work to break down assumptions and stereotypes.  In creating this image, we had to confront our own biases and judgments. As we were outfitting the women in the electric chair, we first adorned her with a long, flowing blonde wig. To our discomfort, we realized we lacked empathy for “the blond” and decided to remove the wig.

 
Metaphors about abortion, capital punishment, and the separation between church and state swirl together in this uncomfortable image of a pregnant young woman in an electric chair. Right to Life is in fact an impossible image, for no prison in America can execute a prisoner who is pregnant. Thus, the scene serves to both shock and unsettle, as only political propaganda can. Taking the title of this photograph to heart, TRIIIBE illustrates the complexity of a pro-life point of view that is opposed to a woman’s right to choose, but in favor of the death penalty. Right to Life also asks viewers to explore their capacity for empathy and compassion. Without knowing this woman’s crimes, can viewers feel sympathy for her? Should they? Is that different from the sympathy they might feel for a man? What if the race of the person changed as well? Right to Life is an exploration of all of these controversial questions and more, again utilizing the sameness of the sisters to astoundingly provocative effect.
— Fitchburg Art Museum: Former Curator Mary Tinti and Former Koch Curatorial Fellow Emily Mazzola
 

Collaborators

Alicia, Kelly and Sara Casilio, 
Cary Wolinsky, Rae Bertellotti, 
Susan Murphy (studio space) 
and Babs Wolinsky

 

Capture date: 2008
First finished print: 2010
Archival inkjet print

Sizes:
35 x 23.25 inches
44 x 29.25 inches
52.5 x 35 inches
61 3/4 x 43 inches (framed)

© Triiibe Partners 2010