JAMES ANDERSON

James P. Anderson is a visionary artist whose work has been exhibited in numerous galleries, including the San Francisco main public library. Imprisoned since 1979 for a crime he did not commit, James finds freedom in art, exploring profound themes rooted in the human experience. Challenging conventional labels and critiques, he questions terms like "Insider/Outsider Art," urging viewers to see beyond surface interpretations. His art aspires to reflect the emergence of collective awareness born from individual struggles and subjective realities. He reminds us that as we navigate this three-dimensional existence, "we are truly all in this together," interconnected in our journey toward holistic understanding. 

" I try to inspire the viewers to think a little deeper than they usually would, as there is much more to reality than most people would normally think or believe. "

James Anderson’s work is a testament to themes of freedom, unity, and resilience. Working with the limited materials available in prison means learning to improvise: handmade brushes, lines sketched without tape or other tools, dominos converted to canvases for his art. The brick walls and black-and-white tiles that recur in his work reference structures of domination and constraint, which are never total or without possibility of escape. 

“The dominator effect,” he explains, “is only a reflection of a reality that does unfortunately exist and thrive…to maintain control of how we think and what we ponder.” 

James would like to express his eternal gratitude for the friendship, mentoring and advocacy of Louis Wolf (Covert Action Magazine), Bruce Gagnon (Space4Peace.org), DJ J.J. (KPOO, 89.5FM, SF, CA), Critical Resistance, John Kiriakou, Joe P. Brown, Rachel Donlan, and the late Dr. Katherine Alden Forrest. You can write to James at:

James P. Anderson 

 PO Box 8101; C-11400

 CMC-East, Fac. A-2116

San Luis Obispo, CA 93409-8101

GALLERY