Faces of Mass Incarceration challenges the dehumanizing label often placed on incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals: Criminal. This project gives each person the opportunity to reveal themselves to the artist and to the world in a humanizing way. The oil portraits within this project are deliberately designed to be provocative. Each subject gazes directly at the viewer, forging a profound connection that transcends conventional depictions of people in the criminal justice system. Next to each painting lies a description of the subject, including their name and 4-7 labels that they identify with. These descriptions humanize the subjects, separating them from the suffocating label of “felon.” Some descriptions people included were: father, daughter, student, hard worker, empathetic, fun-loving, social justice advocate, or pastor. I seek to use the act of painting as a mechanism for truly listening to every facet of an individual's story, to believe in their words, and to acknowledge the full breadth of their experiences. The process of creating each portrait is meticulous, requiring anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours to complete. This extended duration provides subjects with the space they need to reflect, share, and express themselves without feeling rushed or silenced. It is crucial that they have ample time to sit in the silence, free from the pressure of defending or proving themselves. The audio component of the exhibition grants viewers access to the subjects' voices, tones, and emotional nuances as they recount their personal journeys. Each audio is recorded simultaneously as I paint the subject, giving them the time to speak about whatever comes to mind. This auditory experience opens a new dimension of engagement, allowing the audience to connect with the stories of the individuals on a profound level. It aims to address the pervasive issue of silencing within the criminal justice system, where the voices of the incarcerated are muted during their imprisonment, after their release, and sometimes even prior to their conviction. Moreover, this project fosters direct interactions between viewers and the subjects themselves. People I painted have come to the exhibitions and had conversations with viewers, providing an opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together, transcending preconceived notions and biases.