I thought I was getting on a flight to Germany to deliver my keynote at the
Art & Place conference in Saarbrücken.
Instead, I wound up giving it via Zoom—from a prison cell.
Not literally, of course. But I dressed for the part. A fitting backdrop for a talk on creative dissent.
Guerrilla theater, unsanctioned public art, protests in disguise—these are the tools I’ve used to question authority and reclaim public space. Sometimes with humor. Sometimes with a bullhorn. Always with intent.
While my prison cell was symbolic, the consequences of challenging power are very real. So, this was a reminder: dissent isn’t just a right. It’s a necessity. And we need to protect the freedom to speak out—especially when it’s uncomfortable.
Thanks to the organizers for inviting me. And to everyone still raising hell where it matters.
