For many, a lifelong prison sentence would be an ending. An ending of freedom, an ending of comfort, an ending of happiness, but Fulton Leroy Washington (also known as Mr. Wash) saw it as just another beginning. “We all gonna die, so I’m just gonna make the best of it and get the most out of each day,”.

In the late 90s, Mr. Wash was convicted of a non-violent drug offense and sentenced to life in prison at the age of 42. While serving his sentence Mr. Wash found painting as an outlet, often using fellow inmates as subjects to create elaborate photorealistic portraits that shone a light on the harsh realities of their lives. His optimism and passion led Mr. Wash to begin teaching art to his fellow inmates and quickly he became a powerful voice for prison reform and social justice. His art also slowly gained recognition beyond prison circles and he started receiving requests for city murals and private commissions. Mr. Wash settled into this new life, honing his craft while helping others, all the while never giving up hope that his case would be overturned and he would one day go free.

Then finally, after 21 years of incarceration, Mr. Wash seemingly willed his freedom into existence. He created a piece titled “Emancipation Proclamation” portraying his own release from prison, mirroring the famous 1864 Francis Bicknell Carpenter oil painting depicting Lincoln reading the Emancipation Proclamation. This work found its way into the possession of an aid for Barack Obama, and shortly after Obama commuted his sentence and granted Mr. Wash clemency.

Throughout his incarceration, Mr. Wash never lost his sense of self. “All clothes are a costume, when I was in prison I wore a prison costume, I didn’t let it change who I was. I’m a person, not an inmate.” This conviction in humanity is what drives him to keep creating. Now, living in Los Angeles after almost six years out of prison and a full year off parole Mr. Wash’s art has been displayed at prestigious locations like the Huntington Library, the Hammer Museum, HVW8 Gallery, SPARC Gallery and LACMA. Mr. Wash is quick to acknowledge he’s both enjoying the time he has and looking toward the future. He’s working on a series of shows, most recently with the Palm Springs Art Museum, (live April 22, 2022 – July 3, 2022), and is ultimately building towards getting his own studio space where he can help support and present other incarcerated artists.

At 67 years of age, Mr. Wash is just getting started.

View Mr. Wash's work here.