artwork

Radio Free Alcatraz is a single-channel video (14’14”) that shows a montage made from the collection of the 39 radio episodes by the same name, in collaboration with Ana María Montenegro. The radio show was originally hosted by John Trudell and transmitted live from the main building of the Alcatraz Prison during the Indian Occupation of the island in 1969 -1971. In our piece, Trudell’s voice is layered with a long take of night falling over Alcatraz Island, as its lighthouse revolves rhythmically turning on and off. Originally, this image was a live streaming played along the soundtrack at the San Francisco Art Institute. This was the beginning of a project that intended to be a direct conversation with John Trudell and a homage to the occupation’s legacy. Sadly, he passed away the morning of December 9th, 2015.