Prisioners’ artwork goes on show in St Helier

A collection of more than 100 pieces of art by prisoners at HMP La Moye has gone on show.

Art classes offered to the prisoners in Jersey have produced a range of paintings, drawings, photography, music, ceramics, and crochet.

Each piece tells a story of the personal journeys, emotions and reflections of each of the 45 artistic inmates.

Curators say it provides a rare insight into the creativity that can arise from adversity, and the transformative power of art within prisons. 

The photography section shows daily life inside the prison through an intimate lens. 

The art classes are part of La Moye’s education programme which helps to prepare prisoners for their release and successful re-integration to society.

Sanja Koppen, Head of Education at the prison, said: “We hope the exhibition serves as a platform for social change, inviting visitors to think about the themes of rehabilitation and the potential for personal growth.

“We want to encourage viewers to see the power of art as a transformative tool for healing and self-expression.”

It is hoped the exhibition will foster a human connection between those inside and outside of the prison. 

As well as proving therapeutic, the classes have fostered artistic talent and created confidence beyond the art itself. 

Prison art teacher Lucy Blackmore told Channel 103 about the work that has been produced:

 “There’s really no theme. Each person is following their own pathway in terms of what they’ve painted, so it’s a really interesting exhibition to come and see because you’re looking into all those different worlds.

“For some of them (art is) particularly important because it’s a space where they can work on something that they might be processing. It gives feelings and emotions a voice. For some, it’s a vulnerable thing to show that to the public.

“The hope is that we can start to see prisoners in a different way,. Everyone in there is human, just as we are.

“The comment book will be the most important thing that I take back with me, so they can see how people have responded to their work.”

The exhibition can be found at Capital House on Church Street and is open from 10:30am – 6.00pm until 25 August. Admission is free. 

 Several of the pieces will be available to buy.