Art made by Prisoners, Offenders, Secure Patients and Detainees

So i heard from a friend that there was this exhibition, where all the artwork there were made from criminals, people in prison.

This immediately caught my attention.

For those living in London, This Exhibition is at the South Bank Centre, SE1 8XX
Its Free Admission

This was it's Entrance piece. "Pirate Ship"
Artist at Bluebird House, Hampshire (Secure mental health unit, under 18's)

The "Pirate Ship" was entirely made out of recycled material, cardboard.

I was really fascinated by this piece due to the fact that it was all made from somebody's hands.

It shows that when somebody puts their heart, mind and soul into something, possibilities are endless.
I love creating things using my hands, this is a great encouragement in motivating me to do so.

Very good work ... but not my favourite piece.

 "Son of a Red Man"
Artist at HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Parc, Wales

I was interested in this because of its facial expression.
When i was at the gallery, being surrounded by the works created by offenders, i absorbed a strong sense of regret, memories, hopes and dreams.
It was rather emotional for me because i felt that some of the artist really felt sincere and regret and expressed it through a medium of art.

Looking at this sculpture, i feel upset, somehow making me think about the wrongs i did in the past, like i may have hurt someone and didn't notice.

This is a very powerful piece to me, the favourite of the day
I also want to start ceramics, its always been a fascination but never really experienced it.

I also want to say this, It doesn't matter who you are and what you have done in the past, it is what you do in the present and the future that makes you who you are.
These people, although stated as criminals and offenders, have actually inspired me, they showed me a glimpse of their affliction and how they are conquering it. A meanings to a true artist?

 "Forgiveness - The Prodigal Son"
Artist at Ashworth Hospital, Merseyside (Secure mental health unit)

Th title aroused my interest immediately.
Forgiveness.
We all have our secrets, we hold onto the things we've done wrong. The only for closure is forgiveness, but some of us are often too afraid to ask or not willing to forgive.

Just the title got me thinking.
You have to understand that everyone makes mistakes, your close friend or even family. Next time they do something wrong, forgive them. If no one makes mistakes, no one can learn from them and improve.

 "Mercury, Messenger of the Gods"
HM Prison Whatton, Nottinghamshire
(Right side piece)

I looked closely at this piece, i followed the marks on the page, i could see in depth lumps around the eyes, going in. I felt as if he (Rob) put more pressure down onto the page as he was colouring the eyes. Like he'd seen something bad and wanted to erase it. Emotional whilst drawing.



"Bluer Shade of Green" (One above)
Greenwich office, London Probation Trust
This was simply a beautiful portrait, Beautiful colours, beautiful girl and beautifully painted.
I rather like the lens flare effect in this painting. Maybe she is his (Nigel) girlfriend or wife waiting for him to return. At home? His place? Was it an anniversary? Does she seem upset, worried or about to quit? Paintings like these raises so many questions it sparks unlimited interest.

 "The Last Time We Met"
HM Prison Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Sorry about the slight reflection of me, this was a piece behind glass so harder to shoot.

Again, the title interest me.
This is a memory so dear to him/her.
Were they a family once upon a time?

Memories like this are hard to forget, love is such a powerful emotion that it can drive him to do good, and return to this scenario once again.
Certain memories can keep a person together, motivate those to accomplish the impossible.

I would just like to thank the Koestler Trust and Southbank Centre for continuing their partnership and showing the works of prisoners, offenders, secure patients and detainees.

Anyone can create art, art doesn't necessarily mean a painting or a drawing, it is something with meaning that you express to others in a form. Art is life, anything and everything you see is Art.

If you disagree, question or tell me about it, i would love to talk to you about it and hear what you have to say.

Love you all
Smile as big as you can NOW :)

Eugene Lee