Public Portrait Session with Mark Loughney

As you explore Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, be sure to view Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study Of Mass Incarceration by artist Mark Loughney. Presented in collaboration with Mural Arts Philadelphia, Pyrrhic Defeat features hundreds of portraits that humanize incarcerated individuals and exposes the deep human costs of mass incarceration. The series offers intimate, dignified portraits that challenge the stigmatizing image of people within the prison system.

In the latest phase of Pyrrhic Defeat, the project will expand to include portraits of criminal justice reform advocates, emphasizing both people directly impacted by incarceration and people working to dismantle the system. Loughney’s evolving work underscores that meaningful reform is a collective effort.

Want to be included in this growing work of art? The artist will be sketching portraits of historic site visitors from 12:00 to 4:00 pm near his piece, which is located next to the Prisons Today exhibit. Stop in during your visit or ask any ESPHS staff member for more information!