Prisoners express themselves in “The Strength & Vulnerability Bunker”, a moving show organized by Southbank and the Koestler Trust. Anger, regret, sadness and longing manifest themselves in vivid color at the Southbank until December1. The work above is by Mark, HM Prison Stafford, Staffordshire. He also wrote the poem below.
“Art is everywhere especially in prison,” says an exhibitor. Curator UK rapper Speech Debelle chose strength and vulnerability as themes. “I smiled when I saw the theme chosen by Speech Debelle because that is what First Hour is meant to represent, “ says Dean, the creator of the Papier Mache sculpture below. Prizes are awarded and entrants with promise get mentored.
Fine Cell Work is another charitable group which teaches prisoners needlework to help rehabilitate and boost self esteem. Launched in the sixties by Lady Anne Tree, daughter-in-law of Nancy Lancaster who owned interior designer Colefax & Fowler, Fine Cell Work involves over 400 prisoners across Great Britain. Designers such as Jasper Conran, William Yeoward, John Stefanidis and Kit Kemp have all commissioned their work, as has British artist Gavin Turk. The V&A, the National Gallery and Tate Modern have bought pieces.
October, 2013
