My name is Juan Hernandez and I am an incarcerated artist who creates art that brings awareness to social issues, amongst other things.

I created this piece of mixed media artwork to represent higher learning in Dixon Correctional Center, which I titled "Short on Staff." I drew a classroom being sealed off and guarded by the prison’s tactical unit. The prison administrators dressed in plain clothes have just schemed a way to justify their decision to not let us in the class, as prisoners await their opportunity for an education. You see their hypocrisy in plain sight as there are countless guards in the hallway.

A lot of us behind the wall feel hidden away from society and are being deprived of technology, unable to search for assistance. How can you make your voices be heard loud enough to penetrate concrete walls in order to reach us? We want a higher education and are in a perpetual battle with the prison administration using our only weapon—an unscrupulous grievance system designed to benefit their needs and crush our resolve. We are in a no-win situation here and are in need of help.

I want to thank everyone involved in helping create this platform and I encourage the viewers to reach out and help those behind the walls willing to put in the work for an education."

To see more of my art and publications go to my Instagram @jch_convictedart