Escaped Prisoner Richard Matt Traded Artwork For Better Treatment
Escaped prisoner Richard Matt traded artwork for better treatment during his time in the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, N.Y., before he was fatally shot by police last Friday.
It appears the escaped prisoner traded artwork because he was very skilled at painting celebrities and the loved ones of other inmates. Matt knew he could get some favors in return from other prisoners or guards because of his skill with the brush.
According to the New York Times, the prisoner painted so he could keep himself busy before he made his daring escape with another inmate, but his artwork may have ultimately cost him his life. The escaped prisoner, Richard Matt, traded artwork for a screwdriver, pliers, and other favors. Prison worker Gene Palmer enjoyed the escaped prisoner’s works so much he was willing to risk his job and his freedom for them.
John Mulligan served two-and-a-half years with the escaped prisoner. Richard Matt traded artwork with him, too, though Mulligan claims they were not favors. Mulligan did send the prisoner money and food after his release.
Acknowledging that the fatally shot escaped prisoner was one of the best artists in the prison system, Mulligan claims the outside world is less receptive to incarcerated creative minds.
“He was the best in the system that anyone could recall,” Mr. Mulligan said simply. “The art community is tough.”
The New York Times reports the escaped prisoner was able to smuggle one of his paintings out of prison and another person sold it on eBay for him for $2,000.
Because the inmate was a convicted murderer, his artwork could be a hit with some collectors who want pieces from such artists. As an escaped prisoner, Richard Matt traded artwork — and his life — for a piece of infamy, and perhaps for some odd recognition in the art world.
Andrew Edlin owns a company which has established and runs the Outsider Art Fair. Edlin believes any recognition from collectors to the dead escaped prisoner’s artwork now would be based on his infamy rather than his skill with a brush.
“Their reasons would be purely mercenary,” he said. “I think, to me, this is sort of a pop-oddity culture story rather than an art world story.”
Mulligan hopes he can cash in on the escaped prisoner. Richard Matt traded artwork for better treatment, and Mulligan wants to treat Matt’s daughter to a better life.
“I’m hoping I can sell some,” Mr. Mulligan said. “I hope he gets some recognition out of this. I’m not going to lie to you about that. If I was able to sell some of them I’d send some of the money to his daughter. That’s what he wanted to do.”
[Photos by Reuters; Heather Ainsworth/New York Times]
