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Artwork from inside the Great Southern’s maximum-security prison has splashed the walls of the Vancouver Arts Centre depicting scenery and tales from the regions.
More than 30 paintings have been displayed at the arts centre, exhibiting the talent of prisoners incarcerated at Albany Regional Prison.
Predominantly painted by Indigenous prisoners, the paintings depict culture, stories, and land in the Great Southern and around WA.
The colourful exhibition is part of the Justice and Equality Through Art program run through Curtin University in a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Justice to provide education to prisoners.
Department of Justice Director General Kylie Maj said the art plays a critical role in the education and rehabilitation of prisoners and allows Indigenous people to stay connected to culture and country.
“We’re very grateful to the City of Albany for helping us to share with people in the Great Southern region artworks of the talented people in our care,” she said.
“It’s also a credit to the dedication of our staff and peer support prisoners.”
One exhibiting artist described their time in the art room as spiritual and therapeutic and is a tool to help them cope with prison life and personal issues.
“It clears the mind,” they said.
“You forget about everything else.
“Plus, I like learning to paint.”
City of Albany mayor Greg Stocks said the powerful exhibition demonstrates the prisoners’ creativity and cultural expression.
“It not only highlights the incredible talent of these artists but also fosters understanding and respect for the diverse cultures within the Great Southern and beyond,” he said.
The exhibition opened on October 10 and runs until November 8 at Vancouver Arts Centre.
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