Lib Artist Refuses to Report Theft of Her Paintings
Despite feeling ‘violated’ by the theft, AnaYelsi Velasco-Sanchez insists ‘engaging with police is much more violent’
What happened: AnaYelsi Velasco-Sanchez, a radical left-wing IndoLatinx artist whose work focuses on “justice” and “liberation,” was living the dream at her first solo exhibition in Washington, D.C., until a thief ran off with two of her paintings.
- “I feel violated, and I’m grieving the lost art, but mostly I’m feeling shocked at the boldness and thoughtlessness of entering a community space, and stealing art that is all about justice and liberation,” Velasco-Sanchez wrote in an Instagram post announcing the theft.
- One of the stolen paintings, valued at $200 each, was titled Bountiful: The Land of Thoughts and Prayers. It dealt with “gun violence and state sanctioned violence in the United States,” the artist said on TikTok, a Chinese spyware app and social media platform.
What happened next: Despite being “heartbroken” about the stolen paintings, Velasco-Sanchez refused to call the cops because she is a self-described police “abolitionist” who does “not engage with law enforcement.”
- “I’m not willing to call them,” the artist told WTOP News. “For me, the harm that comes out of engaging with police is much more violent than anything that has occurred.” She went on to speculate that the thief ”might have been an avid art-lover.”
- Velasco-Sanchez has even declined offers from friends to contact the police on her behalf. “There is a strong misconception in our country and in D.C. that police keep us safe, solve crimes and recover stolen property,” she said. “None of those are true. I have more faith in my community rallying than I do in law enforcement doing anything.”
Bottom line: The paintings have yet to be recovered.
What are some of the reasons behind Velasco-Sanchez’s belief that engaging with the police perpetuates violence and harm for marginalized communities?
Taking something that didn’t belong to you,” Velasco-Sanchez expressed. The incident occurred at the Ten Tigers Parlour gallery in Petworth in early March.
Why it matters: Velasco-Sanchez’s response to the theft has sparked a meaningful conversation about the role of the police in society and the potential for alternative approaches to justice. In a powerful statement shared on Instagram, Velasco-Sanchez announced that she will not be involving law enforcement in the incident. Instead, she believes in addressing harm through community-based accountability and transformative justice. She argues that engaging with the police often perpetuates violence and harm, especially for marginalized communities. The artist’s perspective: Velasco-Sanchez’s decision not to involve the police is deeply rooted in her experiences as an activist and her own personal encounters with law enforcement. She believes that the criminal justice system is inherently flawed and disproportionately targets and harms people of color, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Her stance highlights the need for alternative systems of justice and the importance of supporting communities to hold themselves accountable. Velasco-Sanchez envisions a world where individuals are empowered to resolve conflicts and address harm within their own communities, without relying on law enforcement. Community-based accountability: Velasco-Sanchez’s response aligns with the principles of transformative justice, a framework that seeks to address harm by prioritizing healing, accountability, and the transformation of relationships and systems. It recognizes that punitive measures often fail to address the root causes of harm and may perpetuate cycles of violence. Instead, transformative justice calls for a collective effort to address harm through open dialogue, active listening, and collective responsibility. This approach requires community members to come together to understand the underlying causes of harm, provide support to survivors, and work towards solutions that promote healing and prevent future harm. A call for change: Velasco-Sanchez’s decision not to involve the police serves as a reminder that there are alternative ways of addressing harm and seeking justice. It challenges the notion that law enforcement is the only answer and encourages us to explore new possibilities. Her stance underscores the need for broader societal conversations about the role of the police, the flaws in the criminal justice system, and the need for transformative change. It invites us to consider the power and potential of community-based approaches to justice, which prioritize empathy, healing, and collective responsibility. Conclusion: AnaYelsi Velasco-Sanchez’s decision not to involve the police after the theft of her paintings has sparked a thought-provoking conversation about justice, accountability, and the role of law enforcement. Her choice emphasizes the need to challenge and explore new possibilities for addressing harm and promoting healing within communities. It invites us to reimagine a world where transformative justice is prioritized, and individuals are empowered to seek alternative paths to resolve conflicts and address harm. Ultimately, it is an invitation to envision a society that prioritizes empathy, healing, and collective responsibility.
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