Pam Douglas

Bearing Witness

Graphic novel

“The drawing of a girl in a refugee camp is one page in a graphic novel titled ‘Bearing Witness’ that is still in process. In writing, drawings, and paintings, the book delves into fictional lives of three families driven from home because of wars and climate change. It builds on years of development that led to my ‘Sanctuary’ sculptures and paintings, and reveals complexities that I was only able to imply in the installation. Now more than ever, we need a space for shared humanity.”

— Pam Douglas

About the artist

Pam Douglas

American

I am a mixed media artist creating paintings, sculptures and installations that continue my dedication to humanitarian issues. Exhibit highlights include LACMA, California African American Museum, Los Angeles Art Show, and USC Fisher Museum of Art. Recent awards include the Barbara Deming Foundation, Puffin Foundation, Mozaik Philanthropy, and Vibrant Cities. In 2021, “Sanctuary” installation honoring refugees incorporated sculpture and painting. I went on to “Bearing Witness” paintings of refugees that were shown widely. In 2023, I created 12 life-size “Witness” sculptures that were installed outdoors at Tarfest. In 2025, my show “Improper Ideology” merged painting, sculpture, and poetry into immersive experiences that explore social tensions with an uplifting intent. Currently I’m constructing “Rise.” From images of destruction figures will ascend, inspiring our strength to rise.