Christian inmates awaiting execution in a maximum security prison in Nashville have spent two months creating artwork depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Death row inmates at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution have collaborated to paint a detailed depiction of the Stations of the Cross in the hopes that the artwork would help change people's hearts and minds about capital punishment.
The artwork, painted on two long scrolls, features the biblical account of the trial, crucifixion and the resurrection of Christ.
Derrick Quintero, who received a death sentence in 1991 for first degree murder, said that the painting was meant to be a "commentary on the continuing battle for our collective moral world view."
"I asked my fellow community members to help me create this project to begin a conversation about what justice looks like," Quintero said, according to The Tennessean.
During the creation of the artwork, both religious and nonreligious artists reportedly discussed their understanding of Jesus' death and appearance. Correctional officers, volunteers and other prisoners also provided some feedback on the piece.
The painting will be exhibited in churches and other religious institutions in Middle Tennessee as the prisoners await their execution.
The artwork will eventually be put on permanent display, possibly at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Brentwood.
W. James Booth, who serves as the deacon at Holy Family, is helping with the exhibition of the painting.
"I think the hope is that the people who believe that death row is populated by unsaveable monsters see in this the work of human hands and people with faith," Booth was quoted by The Tennessean as saying.
"Many of them have done very bad, terrible things, but our faith teaches us that forgiveness and redemption are always possibilities," he added.
Each week, Booth visits death row to hold an ecumenical service and study group for about half a dozen inmates, including Quintero, who converted to Catholicism in prison.
According to Diocese of Nashville, there are currently about 10 inmates on death row at Riverbend. The execution dates for some of the prisoners have already been set, but they have all been stayed due to legal challenges, the diocese said.
Booth maintained that the artwork was not intended to be a political statement or push policy, but he is hoping that it will serve as a link between the inmates and the outside world.
The deacon said that while the Catholic Church opposes capital punishment, not all parishioners agree with the Church's stance.
He avoids discussion about policy during exhibits of the artwork and tries to redirect the conversations by talking about the men who created the painting and by advising the viewers to contemplate the crucifixion of Jesus.
Neysa Taylor, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Correction, said that the government department supports similar art projects for the inmates.
"The Tennessee Department of Correction embraces therapeutic programs that allow offenders to both process and work through their thoughts on their crime and how they can change their lives for the better," Taylor said, according to The Tennessean.
