ARTWORK produced in Greenock prison has gone on display the Beacon Arts Centre.
More than 100 works created by 30 prisoners in the art group at HMP Greenock will be on show until January.
The exhibition, called Inhibition, explores issues around self-control and will power. The title was chosen by the prison artists.
Greenock Prison worked with Fife College art tutors over the course of a year with classes aimed at helping people serving sentences to develop their critical thinking and communication skills, as well as boosting collaboration and conversation.
Fraser Taylor, guest curator at Beacon said: “The Beacon’s mission is to make a lasting impact and to light up lives by giving as many people as possible the chance to engage with the arts.
“We are proud to bring these thought-provoking and sometimes challenging works by Greenock Prison’s art group to a wider audience. The arts have the power to boost self-belief, confidence and self-expression, and these extraordinary pieces also shine a light on life inside prison, offering an important perspective and understanding.
“We are proud of the Beacon’s diverse and inclusive visual arts exhibition programme which engages with local and national communities. There is a focus on exhibiting artists of all levels of experience who create work that is vibrant and relevant and prompts questions allowing us to view the world differently.”
Morag Stirling, governor in charge of HMP Greenock, said: “We know that creative opportunities can support good mental health and give individuals a positive outlet to express themselves and build confidence; something that is especially impactful within a prison environment.
“We are therefore very grateful to the Beacon for giving those in our care a platform to exhibit some of the fantastic artwork they have produced, and we hope this will be enjoyed by the wider community.”
