Leonard Peltier’s painting “Horse Nation” captivated my attention as soon as I arrived at the 2012 Whitney Biennial last month. “Horse Nation” showed horses running in a mountainous range. Peltier composed the piece using bright and dark blues, browns, and green colors. Because the painting was displayed in a room of quiet, black and white pieces, it stood out from among the others. I tried to explain the meaning of the piece to myself but I could not understand it. A friend who was at my side mentioned that Leonard Peltier was imprisoned for the murder of two F.B.I agents. He was convicted in 1977 and sentenced to life-imprisonment. Although I did not find the painting too creative, the story behind it was very interesting. I felt intrigued by the fact that Leonard Peltier created the painting while in jail, serving his two consecutive life sentences. Knowing that he is going to be in jail for the rest of his life, he poured his passion into art.

Dawn Kasper’s piece “This Could Be Something if I Let It” was by far my favorite; it caught my eye as soon as I walked into the room in which it was placed. “This Could Be Something if I Let It” showcased the artistic space in which Kasper creates her art: unfinished drawings, paintings, a laptop and her bed. Wires were connected to an extension cable; a stereo played. Opened books and magazines sat on shelves or were scattered on the floor. Through “This Could Be Something if I Let It” I was able to witness the rigorous artistic process of aspiring young artists. The scene looked hectic to outsiders but I believed the artist felt comfortable and relaxed in her environment. The piece was chaotic, yet beautiful.