A new art show is proving to viewers that inmates are just as deserving of compassion and understanding as people who have never been to prison. The show highlights different pieces of art created by both male and female inmates in the Changi prisons. As a whole, it provides a window into the experiences of these individuals, and shouldn’t be overlooked. The show ends early in September.
Nearly one hundred pieces of art by inmates are on display as a part of the special exhibition, showcasing everything from the desire to fit in to the necessity to focus on the positive. Created by both former and current inmates, the masterpieces offer a valuable insight into prison culture and the importance of accepting people’s mistakes. Everything from ceramics to traditional canvas pieces are on display, each with its unique message and background. A superintendent of one of the prisons remarked that inmates’ experiences in prison color much of the art pieces, lending meaningful storytelling to the work. Art can be a way for inmates to work through and process their feelings about the crimes they committed and the incarceration they must endure as punishment. Even after the punishment phase in complete, consequences continue. Many former offenders find they must still win back the trust of their loved ones upon being released from prison.
The highlight of the art show is from a former inmate who now runs his own art gallery. His body of work shows that though concrete steps are taken to move forward, the darkness of the past crimes remains ever-present. It is important, then, to keep focus on the good and positive in life to avoid returning to that dark place.
A government official who attended the opening night of the show expressed interest in the intrinsic healing nature of art for inmates. Expressing themselves in sculpture and on canvas might prevent them from feeling left out of society. It might even dissuade them from falling through the cracks in the prison system and embracing crime from behind bars.
Perhaps the most visible piece of art at the show is a giant boat. The wood on the sides is emblazoned with batik designs in different stains and the sail is actually a painting of a traditional fishing scene. Thought impressive itself as an art piece, the story behind it is even more powerful. The women and men in the different prisons collaborated on it, showing just what can be achieved if people simply work together toward a common goal.
Art can be a very powerful way to examine your feelings and experiences, and you might be surprised at the outcome once you’ve completed a project. Visit SGArtClass.com today to see a vast listing of all the different art classes you can take. It doesn’t matter where your interests lie — ink drawing, watercolor painting, 3-D sculpture, and more. You will be able to explore your own experiences through art.
Read more about the special exhibit by visiting http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/art-exhibition-showcases-inmates-emotional-journeys.