Art / HMP Bristol
Artwork by prisoners goes on display at HMP Bristol
A new exhibition at HMP Bristol will be an “expression of hope from the incarcerated to the free at a time of global desperation”.
HOPE FROM THE YARDS has been created by prisoners over the course of six weeks, with support from the prison’s artist in residence, Emma Lilwall.
Emma is a lecturer in fine art at the prison, with prisoners making art as a response to her call out.
is needed now More than ever
“The idea came about from a vision of parallels between the public’s state of ‘lockdown’ and a prisoners permanent state of ‘lockdown’,” says Emma, who studied fine art at UWE Bristol.
“In January and February, the exercise yards were extremely bleak, mirroring the bleakness that I sensed was existing nationwide.
“I put out a call for artworks which expressed hope. I asked for something to create colour and light. The work has been created to be enlarged and displayed on the exercise fences.”
Emma guided prisoners in their art creation through remote correspondence only, sending letters and notes from her studio to those in cells.
One of the artworks created by inmates. Image: Emma Lilwall
Letters and art materials had to go through three members of staff, under Covid-19 guidelines, and had to be quarantined for 48 hours. Emma says this was by far the most challenging part of the project.
“HMP Bristol has been exceptional in its delivery of education though this time,” says Emma, whose work focuses on community-based projects and ideas. “Here at HMP Bristol, I create projects which engage with the prisoner’s creative potential. Self-esteem runs pretty low in here and it is awe inspiring how much art can transform this.”
Art is used to rehabilitate prisoners, using art to break down barriers and help them engage with their past.
“Through this a prisoner often starts thinking in new ways about their situation or life choices, which in turn leads to real change,” says Emma, who stresses that she is not an art therapist, simply an artist using her skills to help others.
13 of the artworks will be displayed within the prison, and the governor of HMP Bristol, James Lucas, has allowed for the art to be accessible to the public as well.
A QR code outside the prison will let people outside the site view the “bright, bold and vibrant” works on display.
The inclusive nature of the project means that the art has been produced by prisoners with varying levels of ability. Emma, who was made a graduate fellow resident at Spike Island in 2013, says: “The project is not showcasing high level art, rather than spreading a message. These men are showing the world there is hope in very challenging times.”
Main photo: Ellie Pipe
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