Portrait of Brenda Andrew
With artist Emily Davis Adams and attorney John Mills
Sunday, November 10, 3pm
This event is free, though there are several ways to take action.
Emily Davis Adams, Portrait of Brenda Andrew, 2024
Oil on linen over panel, 16 x 12 x 7/8 inches
Brenda Andrew is the only woman on death row in the state of Oklahoma. She was condemned to die after a 2004 trial in which prosecutors weaponized her gender and sexuality in ways that bore no relation to the crime she had been accused of committing—the murder of her husband, Robert Andrew. They referred to her as a “slut puppy,” held her underwear before the jury, disparaged her mothering skills, and more. While the offense shared few hallmarks of a capital case and Brenda had no criminal record, they unconstitutionally argued that her gender transgressions should be punishable by death.
The Supreme Court is presently poised to hear her last appeal, one of four “relisted” criminal cases this term. If the Court denies Brenda’s petition, she will be at risk of receiving an execution date.
Hoping to humanize a woman whose public image has been formed by courtroom and prison documentation alongside sensationalist press, in February of this year Brenda’s legal team commissioned a painted portrait by Bay Area artist Emily Davis Adams. After the prison denied Emily’s entry to visit Brenda in person, the artist chose to work with a family photograph taken before her incarceration, with an effort to replicate the graininess and blurriness of the original image. The final portrait has been used across various platforms in the growing movement to save Brenda Andrew’s life.
Cushion Works is pleased to welcome artist Emily Davis Adams and attorney John Mills of the public interest firm Phillips Black, who will share thoughts, experiences, and updates about their efforts. The painting will be present, along with further examples of Emily’s work.
This event is free, though there are several ways to take action.