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Sherrill Roland

Artist

Sherrill Roland is an interdisciplinary artist and the founder of The Jumpsuit Project.13 Born in Asheville, North Carolina, Roland received his MFA in Studio Art from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.35

Roland's artistic career took a significant turn after he was wrongfully incarcerated for nearly a year in Washington, D.C. for a crime he did not commit.24 Following his exoneration in 2015, he created The Jumpsuit Project, a socially engaged performance art piece where he wears an orange prison jumpsuit to raise awareness about mass incarceration and challenge public perceptions of formerly incarcerated individuals.34

The Jumpsuit Project

The Jumpsuit Project involves Roland wearing an orange jumpsuit in public spaces, including art galleries, universities, and other institutions. Through this performance, he engages viewers in conversations about the criminal justice system, encouraging them to confront their own biases and preconceptions about incarcerated individuals.46

Artistic Recognition

Roland has received several accolades for his work, including:

  • The 2020 Southern Prize from South Arts2
  • A fellowship at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University3
  • The Rights of Return USA Fellowship3

His art has been exhibited in various prestigious venues, including the Studio Museum in Harlem, the San Jose Museum of Art, and the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University.5

Currently, Roland lives and works in Raleigh, North Carolina, continuing to use his art to challenge ideas around controversial social and political constructs related to mass incarceration.13

Highlights

Sherrill Roland | Creative Capital
Aug 31 · wunc.org
Meet The Man In The Orange Jumpsuit: Sherrill Roland - WUNC
Sherrill Roland - Simon Miccio

Related Questions

What inspired Sherrill Roland to start The Jumpsuit Project?
How has The Jumpsuit Project impacted public perception of the criminal justice system?
What awards has Sherrill Roland received for his work?
How did Sherrill Roland's experience in prison influence his art?
What are some notable locations where The Jumpsuit Project has been exhibited?
Sherrill Roland
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Location

Durham, North Carolina, United States