More than 30 paintings by prisoners at the maximum-security facility are being displayed at Albany’s Vancouver Arts Centre for a month.
The artworks predominantly have been painted by Indigenous prisoners from the Great Southern as well as other regions of WA, depicting Culture, stories and land.
The exhibition is being supported by the City of Albany.
The prison’s art room has a strong cohort of artists including General Education students and a prisoner enrolled in Visual Arts studies at Curtin University through the Justice and Equity Through Art (JETA) program.
Department Director General Kylie Maj said art played a critical role in the rehabilitation and education of prisoners, while helping Aboriginal people 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,” Ms Maj said. “It’s also a credit to the dedication of our staff and peer support prisoners.”
Albany Mayor Greg Stocks said the exhibition is a powerful demonstration of 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,” Cr Stocks said.
Prisoners whose art has been chosen for the exhibition described time in the art room as therapeutic and spiritual, helping them cope with prison life and personal issues.
“It clears the mind,” one prisoner said. “You forget about everything else. Plus, I like learning to paint. Another prisoner said: “Painting and watching others paint teaches you a trade. It gives you skills.”
The exhibition runs until 8 November.
