In the spring of 2025, I taught a class titled Xeroxysm at Homeboy Art Academy, working with students; formerly incarcerated youth and adults, in creating portraits through a collaborative and healing process.
The concept for Xeroxysm (photocopying images onto pages of books) was born in 2003. After I received a DUI and was assigned community service in 2014, I asked the judge if I could fulfill my hours at Homeboy Industries. He replied, “You can ask.”
I approached Homeboy with a proposal: to make portraits of its members, donate the work to the organization, and use art as a form of giving back. They agreed, and the resulting portrait series was exhibited at Homegirl Café. There, I met artist and director Fabian Debora, who shared his vision of founding Homeboy Art Academy—a space centered on art and healing. I expressed my desire to be involved as an instructor.
Ten years later, that vision came full circle. Homeboy Art Academy opened its new space across the street from Homeboy Industries, where the original portrait series is now permanently installed—a living testament to community, redemption, and the transformative power of art.
Student-Made Portraits at Homeboy Art Academy
