Art of desperation?

In the last several months, Dennis had two penpals from within the Northwest Detention Center, the immigration jail in Tacoma.  Evangelin from the Philippines (who has since been released) and Pavel from Uzbekistan who participated in a hunger strike and then transferred (probably retribution) to a facility in The Dalles in central Oregon.

Both worked on art projects during their incarceration.   Evangeline gave us the green and purple statue to us as a gift.  It's made from paper, probably paper wrappers, carefully crafted and folded.

We knew Pavel also made some art that would be featured in a special show down in Tacoma.  Dennis made sure that we went today.  The art was made by those incarcerated and others about the immigration/detention/deportation experience.

When we went in, there were Pavel's items displayed on a table.  They were also made from paper wrappers!  He had some picture frames and boxes and bags.  We bought this tote bag.  All made from paper wrappers!  The person there assured us that Pavel would get the full purchase price ($100).

The pictures are a bit out of focus; maybe I will be able to improve them.

I had no idea that they both worked in the same medium.  What does it mean that the only medium that you have to work in is paper wrappers??  And you are locked in for months on end?

Is this an art of desperation????