Jairo Santos

Jairo Santos Pastoressa grew up in the East Village in Manhattan. When he was 25, he was sent to Rikers, where he was detained for six years. A graffiti and silkscreen artist, Pastoressa got pencils and paper from the Rikers law library and honed his craft, becoming a stronger artist during his incarceration. His art was highly prized in jail, and he had a thriving business making art for other incarcerated people and their families. He made flowers out of toilet paper, and he created drawings on handkerchiefs and t-shirts. His art acted as a "shield," keeping him out of trouble and connecting him to a wide range of people. Beyond creating art, he spent his time at Rikers working out, reading books, and listening to the radio. (Summary written by: Annie Anderson)