A STUDENT LOAN RESTORATION PROJECT
Judges
Meryl Meisler / James Concannon / Heather Benjamin / Rebecca Lévéille / Cheryl Georgette Arent
Breaking the Chains of Shame: Curating Damaged Art: A Student Loan Restoration Project
As the curator of the Damaged Art exhibition, I conceived and organized the 2019 exhibition at 98 Orchard Street in Manhattan—a bold cultural statement against the student loan crisis. Featuring 35 artists, the show offered each piece for sale at the price of the artist's full outstanding debt, transforming financial struggle into a conceptual art form.
I collaborated with designer Pamela Villabos to create the catalog, intentionally printed as a newsprint, offering visitors a tangible exposé of the raw, often tragic financial realities these artists faced. The catalog chronicled their stories of predatory lending, insurmountable interest, and the emotional toll of enduring lifelong debt.
By inviting the public to engage with these deeply personal narratives, the exhibition broke the silence surrounding student debt, creating space for empathy and understanding. It was a deeply personal and politically charged project—an act of defiance against a system that exploits ambition. Through Damaged Art, I sought not only to uplift the participating artists but also to challenge the stigma of debt, inspiring collective reflection and future dialogue on economic injustice in the arts.
Featured Artists
Albert Shelton / Ansel Oommen / Auguste Elder / Avani Patel / Caitlin Rose / Chase Noelle / Cheryl Georgette / Colette Bernard / Colton Kruizenga / Dana Zinsser /Dani Miller / Danil Gertman / Hannah Hill / Jacob Brooks / Jen Dessinger / Jessica Gurewitz / Jocelyn M. Goode / Jonathan Duff / Julia Khoroshilov / Kayla Thompson /Lee Dawson / Lissette Emma / Matt Orr / Megan Murphy / Minister Akins/ Molly Flores / Nancy Hollinghurst / Ryan Schroeder / Sabrina Diamond /Sam Moyer-Kardos / Sayre Harvell / Tamoy Sinclair / Uriel Shlush-Reyna/ William Glasser Wilson / Zoe Tirado
Only a few left! Commemorate the groundbreaking Damaged Art exhibition with this limited-edition black tote bag featuring the bold white logo. Crafted from durable canvas, this tote includes a copy of the exhibition catalog—a newsprint publication documenting the powerful stories of 35 artists burdened by over $2 million in student loan debt.
Artists (from top down, left to right): William Glaser Wilson, Jon Duff, Auguste Elder, Caitlin Rose, Danil Gertman, Lissette Emma, Albert Shelton, Hannah Hill, and Megan Murphy.
A Heartfelt Tribute
As so much has changed since 2019, the burden of student loan debt remains a harsh reality for many Americans. Reflecting on Damaged Art, I feel an immense sense of gratitude for those who helped make it possible.
To the artists—your courage in sharing your deeply personal and often painful financial struggles was nothing short of brave. You shattered the taboo, opening a necessary conversation about the harsh realities of student loan debt.
To Julia Khoroshilov and Pamela Villalobos—this dynamic duo was my backbone. From designing logos and exhibition catalogs to proofreading, running errands, and, most importantly, supporting my vision every step of the way—I am forever grateful.
A special thanks to Meryl Meisler, an inspiring photographer and cherished supporter, whose unwavering encouragement has meant the world throughout my creative journey.
Now, living on the West Coast, I’ve been contemplating reviving this project. If anyone is interested in collaborating, hosting a follow-up event, or continuing the conversation with the original artists, I am open and eager. Let’s keep exposing the unjust student loan system through art and solidarity. Although the Damaged Art website has been shut down, I am still available at damagedart.nyc@gmail.com
