Art of Justice is a series of physical and virtual installations, collaborative workshops, and programs that intervene in the physical spaces occupied by the legal community; primarily law schools, law firms and D.A.’s offices. It positions the artist as a social innovator and connects art and media to individuals and institutions that aim to safeguard a functioning democracy and are poised to create social change—systematically and at scale. Specifically, Art of Justice addresses how cultural perspectives and biases shape our interpretation of narratives and, in turn, the concept of truth in policy creation and implementation, the judicial system, journalism, visual storytelling and history. In a world where information abounds, our unique cultural backgrounds deeply influence how we perceive and frame the stories we encounter. Each of us brings a distinct lens through which we view and understand shared information, leading to a multiplicity of interpretations. This directly leads to examining how unconscious bias, and inaccurate historical narratives, impact the perception of those entering and working in legal professions and public policy, including law students, lawyers, and District Attorneys.

Through a series of exhibitions and programs based on Bayeté Ross Smith’s artwork, with input from colleagues and peers in multiple fields, Art of Justice addresses the impact of cultural perspective and unconscious bias on issues such as structural inequity, criminal justice, economic policy and mass incarceration. Utilizing projects such as Our Kind of People, Taking AIM, Passing, Red Summers VR and Hip Hop 50 Boombox: Sugar and Cotton, Ross Smith installs art and media in law schools, DA’s offices, and law firm, and directly engages legal professionals during their education and professional careers. Ross Smith aims to expand the lens through which they view the contemporary social landscape. These artistic interventions will create participatory experiences that do not tell audiences what to think, but create experiences that force them to question their preexisting beliefs.