Artist Statement – Georgio Sabino III
I am Georgio Sabino III, a multi-disciplinary visual artist, photographer, and educator. My practice is grounded in the intersections of art, technology, and social justice, and I strive to foster new perspectives by blending traditional techniques with innovative mediums like augmented reality (AR). My work is deeply connected to addressing social inequalities, particularly mass incarceration, which I view as one of the most urgent and devastating issues facing marginalized communities today.
Through my series Educational Genocide, I explore the systemic deprivation of resources and opportunities that disproportionately impacts Black and Brown communities. These paintings, created in oil during my graduate thesis, reflect on the ways in which neglected educational systems and societal disinvestment lead directly to the prison pipeline. This body of work serves as a visual critique of the structures that perpetuate cycles of incarceration, asking viewers to confront the realities of these injustices.
My connection to the issue of mass incarceration goes beyond just art—it’s part of my broader mission to create real-world solutions. I am actively developing an app called GoVia, aimed at reducing negative interactions between police and communities of color. This app will allow for a safer, more transparent form of engagement with law enforcement, empowering individuals to highlight positive actions and hold officers accountable. In doing so, GoVia seeks to redefine the possibilities for justice and safety in our society.
Incorporating AR into my visual art allows me to push the boundaries of how we engage with these urgent issues. My work becomes interactive, enabling photography and other digital elements to “fly away” from the canvas, offering viewers a dynamic, immersive experience that goes beyond the surface. By blending technology with art, I hope to expand how we approach difficult conversations about incarceration, justice, and equity. This interactive component emphasizes that art is not just something to be observed, but something to be experienced and engaged with, much like the societal issues it addresses.
Community engagement is a core value in my practice. I believe that art should not only reflect the world but also catalyze change. My goal is to inspire collective action and dialogue, much like the civil rights movements of the past. Through my art and the GoVia app, I strive to build new pathways for communities to engage with law enforcement in ways that promote accountability, trust, and safety for all. It is only by working together as a community that we can begin to dismantle the systems of oppression and envision new models of justice.
In my work, I aim to balance cultural sensitivity with a metaphysical exploration of the mind, body, and soul. I believe that art has the power to transform how we see ourselves and the world around us. Through empathy and understanding, my goal is to create works that not only highlight systemic injustices but also foster healing and hope.
Ultimately, my artistic practice is a call to action. Whether through Educational Genocide, GoVia, or the interactive experience of AR in my art, I seek to create meaningful conversations that challenge the status quo and offer visions of a more just and equitable future. My work is a reflection of my belief that art can be a tool for social change, and I am committed to using it to shine a light on the paths that lead to mass incarceration and, more importantly, the possibilities for ending it.
