Deserted Destiny

Anon.

Deserted Destiny, 1950’s 

Woven cigarette packaging                                                                                                                    

Rikers Island, Queens, New York

Deserted Destiny is artfully crafted from thousands of Camel cigarette boxes to form a pleasantly proportioned ­­shoulder bag. Carefully chosen and subtle motifs are strategically repeated to create warm color fields that are defined by contrasting patterns of brown and white. The
overall composition is anchored by an image of the iconic signature camel visible just above an antique brass latch. Excellent design and masterful skills are evident.

Rikers Island, New York state’s largest correctional facility, counts among it most
famous inmates jazz greats Sonny Rollins, Sonny Clark and Elmo Hope whose album “Sounds of Rikers Island” is a memento. Other famous inmates included Tupac Shakur, David Berkowitz (Son of Sam), Lil Wayne, Dominique Strauss-Khan (former IMF Director) amongst many others. On a snowy day in February 1, 1957, Northeast Airlines flight *#23 crashed on the island resulting in 20 fatalities and more than 75 injuries to crew and passengers. The Warden (James Harrison) dispersed personnel and “good” inmates to assist in rescue operations, for which the inmates received reduced sentences and recognition as heroes.Shawn Powell.