Join us at Chimera for First Friday! We’ll celebrate the opening of Billie Allen’s solo exhibition, As I Am, with a talk by the artist and a short documentary about him.

“My art is the voice of an innocent man. It reflects my refusal to surrender to my situation and circumstances…Through my art, I find freedom.” – Billie Allen

Artist Billie Allen was unjustly imprisoned for a crime he did not commit and has spent the last 28 years of his life in prison, on Federal Death Row. “Within the confines of a tiny 6’x8’ cell where I spend 23 hours a day, art has the power to set me free!” says Billie.

Billie refuses to wither, stay silent, or to live in the shadows while innocent. With hundreds of completed artworks, Billie remains a relevant and important member of society and art world receiving contemporary awards, articles and exhibitions.

The key to Billie’s mental and physical survival is the daily practice of creating paintings, drawings, collage, mixed-media and interactive installation pieces with outside artists in exhibition spaces.

Billie’s artwork masterfully engages the viewer with his personal story of innocence, injustice, systems of power and corruption, contemporary superheroes and the use of historic events and Afro-futurism.

Showing nationally and internationally Billie’s skilled hand, unbridled spirit, and provocative compositions have proven to break down walls and connect humanity. Innocent of the charges, Billie’s artwork and process is his tool for liberation, restoration and resilience.

Billie’s hometown is St. Louis.