The House that Herman built

‘What kind of a house does a man who has lived in a 6’ x 9’ box for over thirty years dream of?’ This is the question that artist/activist Jackie Sumell posed to Herman Wallace, who’s spent the last thirty-six years in solitary confinement in the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola.

A recent exhibition at the Royal College of Art in London showcased Herman’s dream. The house he imagines will be a place for him to retire comfortably once out of jail. Until then, the space will lend itself to the community, contributing to the social and physical economy of New Orleans, breathing hope into a society wounded by its history and struggle, and ultimately demonstrating the expansive power of imagination.

The story is not about why Herman is in jail, it’s not just about changing a corrupted system. It’s an inspiring example of how a collaboration between two individuals can create a movement of people working together to turn a dream into reality. Apart from the political controversy, the project shows where imagination can take a human being after years of being exposed to very little positive stimulation.

The house that Herman Wallace dreams of is currently being built and funded by a network of activists, artists, architects and people who want to make a man’s dream come true.

Find out more at www.hermanshouse.org

6 August 2008, posted by Bethany Koby and Giorgio Rondelli