Wherever There is Light Exhibition Opening

On January 29, TILT Institute for the Contemporary Image (TILT) and Center for Black Visual Culture at the Institute of African American Affairs unveil Wherever There Is Light, an extraordinary traveling exhibition featuring the photography of four formerly incarcerated artists as they share their experiences within the United States penal system. Through emotional and powerful images, the exhibition explores the profound impact of mass incarceration on individuals, families, and communities. The show is curated by Dr. Melanee C. Harvey and is led by Washington, D.C.-based photographer Larry W. Cook.

Exhibiting artists include José Díaz, Don “Ike” Jones, Vernon Ray, Akeil Robertson, and Larry Cook. Through digital photography, portraits, and vernacular photography, these artists share their personal stories and perspectives of the prison system, offering an intimate and powerful exploration of life within and beyond incarceration. They also explore themes that invite audiences to reflect, connect with others, and envision a fairer world.

Wherever There Is Light is on display at the Cooper Square Gallery at NYU (Ground Floor of 20 Cooper Square, New York, NY) from January 29 to February 27, 2026. In addition to the opening reception on Thursday, January 29, there will be a public conversation with artist Larry W. Cook and scholar and curator Dr. Nicole R. Fleetwood, focusing on contemporary photographic practices among system-impacted artists on January 30 from 6:00 – 8:00 in Flex Space (4th Floor of 20 Cooper Square, New York, NY.)

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Date:  January 29, 2025

Time:  6:00pm to 8:00pm

Location: Cooper Square Gallery, 20 Cooper Square, New York, NY, 10003

Wherever There Is Light originally began in 2020 when Cook constructed a studio and exhibition space at the Los Angeles art gallery, The Canary Test, for five photographers with carceral experience to share their stories and craft through traditional studio portraiture. The works created and exhibited by the Los Angeles cohort, which featured artists Jonathan Chiu, Adamu Chan, Javier Jimenez, and Eddie Herena, are set to appear in the new exhibition at TILT and will complement a portrait series shaped by the Philadelphia artist fellows. The LA and Philadelphia cohorts are set to attend the exhibition’s opening on January 29, furthering the project’s overall goal of building a community and network of artists. TILT provided the artists with financial support, resources, and space for each artist to explore their visions in collaboration with Cook and Harvey. Each photographer received an honorarium for their work and access to TILT’s artistic lab, printing services, production support, and gallery space. The group also received assistance from a project team comprising TILT staff, peer mentor artists, community partners, and curatorial experts and advisors.