Songs from the Hole

Floor 3

Open for all ages

In collaboration with Represent Justice and Artistic Noise, the Whitney Museum presents the New York premiere of the award-winning documentary visual album Songs from the Hole (106 mins). The event features appearances and reflections from director/producer Contessa Gayles and producer/music producer richie reseda.

At 15, he took a life. Three days later, his brother’s life was taken. A moving chronicle of forgiveness, family, and the transformative power of art, Songs from the Hole weaves music and storytelling into an innovative documentary visual album.

A special live musical performance by Songs from the Hole writer/co-producer JJ’88 will immediately follow the film screening. Taking the stage for his New York City debut, JJ’88 will give an intimate performance of the songs he wrote in solitary confinement and featured in the film. Screening and performance hosted by Question Culture and Cocomotion Pictures, in collaboration with Black Discourse.

Learn more about this award-winning film here.

Artistic Noise is a Whitney Museum community partner.

Artistic Noise is a Harlem-based nonprofit consisting of artists, educators, activists, licensed art therapists, and many gifted young people. For over 20 years, they have connected the power of artistic practice with thousands of young people who are incarcerated, on probation, in foster care, unhoused, or otherwise impacted by the juvenile court system.

At its core, Represent Justice is about using the power of media to engage audiences in reimagining the justice system, and creating real demand for change. Represent Justice started as an impact campaign inspired by the life and legacy of Bryan Stevenson, and launched in December 2019 alongside the Warner Bros. theatrical release of Just Mercy. Through a two-year strategic plan, Represent Justice will continue to engage audiences through powerful stories and media, to build awareness and spark collective action.