Inside the colossal concrete walls and steel gated confines of a prison is an unlikely setting for an art studio but prisoners are putting GEO Group Australia’s rehabilitation program to good use and they want you to see it.
Artworks by prison inmates from around Australia will be displayed in the annual Art from Inside exhibition at the Parklea Correctional Centre from August 8.
Prisoners and former inmates will exhibit about 100 pieces in the theme Telling My Story.
Organised by Prison Fellowship Australia, the initiative's aim is to demystify the stereotype that prisoners can't be good people, explained state manager Richard Feeney.
"It really helps bridge the gap between prisoners and the community," he said.
Art from Inside co-ordinator Beverly Wilson said the related change of mindset experienced by visitors is "powerful".
It gives people an opportunity to see past the behaviour and the misdemeanors and see a human being that has potential for good.
- Beverly Wilson
"The inmates share their stories and in turn the community shares their understanding."
Vance Reaburn, 45, served an eight-year prison sentence for violent charges (undisclosed) and is now out on parole.
He entered the exhibition each year and won a Prison Fellowship Australia competition in 2007, saying the experience boosted his confidence.
His painting in the exhibition — called Myself on Canvas — is a portrait depicting himself painting his story.
"This is how I tell my stories, with my paintings," Mr Reaburn said.
"And when you're locked up for 16 hours a day, developing an idea gives your mind something to focus on that's positive concrete and expressive."
Organisers are extending an invitation for schools to take students to see the artworks.
■ Art From Inside is on daily, 10am-3.30pm, August 8-23 at the Visitor’s Cafe in the Parklea Correctional Centre (66 Sentry Drive). Free.
Artist Vance Reaburn talks about what inspires him and what his art represents:
"I grew up in a violent household and felt fear and terror on a daily basis. I was abused physically and mentally by my stepfather.
I was rescued by the state welfare department at age 7, though from 7-13 I was continually returned to them from temporary foster placements.
Each time the violence becoming increasingly worse.
At age 13 I was made a state ward. These experiences had a dramatic effect on the way I felt about myself, the choices I’d make later and the way I interacted with the world.
I still and will continue psychotherapy in dealing with these residual effects and to help me grow.
I turned to drugs at the age of 19 and used them until age 35.
Later in rehabilitation I understood this was self-medicating and a way of coping with repressed emotions and memories. During those years I broke the law in various ways to support a habit or in reaction to my interactions in the world.
I went to prison for hurting someone severely. This is something I deeply regret and will do so for the rest of my days.
In prison I learnt to survive by wit and by skill. I did return to art, and recontacted old friends from the early years.
At the end of the day there are two types of inmate: those who are sorry for getting caught and those who are sorry for what they did.
I am sorry for what I did.
Now that I am out, I’m focusing on bettering myself continually, being a better person and redeeming myself by leading a productive life and helping others where possible."
Visit his website for more information.
