From her home in Helsinki, Maria Jain began a correspondence with a death row inmate in the US. Now, they've co-created an art exhibit that explores the need for justice reform, the potential for personal transformation, and the intricacies of healing.

We talk about our lives growing up. The era was the same, the 80’s and the 90’s; the places were very different. I grew up in Finland; he grew up in Texas.

I share about my difficult teenage years when I turned to self-harming. I talk about my process of coming to understand how violence has been woven into my family story, and how I’m learning to break free from the cycle of inherited trauma.

My friend listens carefully and relates that where he grew up, troubled youth were not suicidal but homicidal. He reflects on the mindset he was in as a youngster, the events and experiences that shaped his path and the choices that led him to his conviction.

To read more of MariaJ's article, please click here.