Creative Conditions: Making Space to Imagine with Mr. Wash & Peter Shire moderated by Abigail Lopez-Byrd, a recorded talk from PRS' Philosophy of Design series

As part of The Philosophical Research Society’s series Philosophy of Design, we were proud to host two remarkable Angeleno artists as they discuss what they create, where they create, and how we can all create spaces — inside and out — to bring out our most imaginative selves.

Creative Conditions opened with a screening of two short documentaries. Mr. Wash traced the early days following Mr. Wash’s release from a life sentence after being freed by President Obama in 2016, while Peter: On Fishing shares insights into Shire’s approach to life and art. A conversation between Mr. Wash and Peter Shire moderated by Compton Museum co-founder Abigail Lopez-Byrd followed, along with an audience Q&A.

This event was held in support of Mr. Wash’s new book, Artists in Space, featuring studio visits with 20 of L.A.’s most dynamic working artists today. The 200-page hardcover publication showcases how each individual cultivates environments to nurture their own creative expression. All proceeds from Mr. Wash’s book go towards building the Art By Wash Studio & Community Center in Compton, CA. If you would like to support the efforts of Mr. Wash and the Compton Community you can purchase a copy of the book here.

If you enjoy Mr. Wash’s talk and want to hear more of his stories you can join us in person at PRS on August 27th, to celebrate a decade of Mr. Wash being free from incarceration! You can purchase tickets to this celebratory event, The Wisdom of Time: Mr. Wash on a decade of freedom w/Tala Madani, here.

Mr. Wash is a self-taught artist and criminal justice reform advocate living and working in Compton, CA. Wrongfully convicted in 1997 for a non-violent drug offense and handed a life sentence due to mandatory minimums, Mr. Wash learned and refined his craft in prison before President Obama granted him clemency 21 years later.

Since his release, Mr. Wash’s work has been shown and acquired by institutions including the Hammer Museum, LACMA, the Huntington Library, and Palm Springs Museum. In 2024, Mr. Wash presented a solo show at Jeffrey Deitch L.A. His latest paintings are currently on view at David Zwirner L.A. www.artbywash.com