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Tony Blair, by Jane Barker, HMP Bronzefield |
Unlocking the creative side of the artists behind bars
IS art redemptive? Can the very act of picking up a pen or a paintbrush touch something in the soul that education, for example, cannot?
Arthur Koestler (1905-1983) believed in the redemptive power of art. The Hungarian-born writer, activist and philosopher, author of the great prison novel Darkness at Noon, and one-time political prisoner, gave his name to the Koestler Awards.
For more than 40 years, this innovative scheme has been working in our prisons to promote art and design. Next week, for the first time, around 200 artworks – out of a record 3,100 pieces submitted – will go on display at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in the Mall, under the banner of Insider Art.
Among the artists is 32-year-old Robert James (not his real name), who spent a year in prison in Glasgow three years ago for an unspecified crime. No glutton for publicity, he has been encouraged to speak today because of his deep belief in – and gratitude to – the Koestlers.
Now studying towards a higher national certificate in fine art, James used to produce paintings for drug dealers and get paid in drugs. He said: “I had absolutely no confidence in myself. When you are in that situation you don’t think you can achieve anything.”
With time on his hands in prison, he decided to take an art course to “keep busy” and was encouraged to submit his work to the Koestler Awards.
Receiving the first of three “outstanding” awards convinced him there was a life for him well away from drugs or prison.
He said: “The thing that really did it for me was the recognition that I actually had some skill and ability. It was people who really knew what they were talking about.
“It boosted my self-esteem to the point where I am pushing now to stay away from drugs so I can carry on producing work.”
Dr Mike Phillips, author and Tate curator and one of four experts who selected the artwork for the exhibition – the others include artist Grayson Perry – has no doubt in the power of art.
“If we are talking in terms of how we rehabilitate offenders, then it seems to me that this is one of the best instruments that we have,” he said.
“There is that sense in which it forces people to look inside themselves and discover their abilities.
“They are having to learn and think, through what they think is important and that is a way of reflecting on themselves and their actions. That, in terms of rehabilitation, is a very powerful tool.”
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