Winning artworks selected

7 May 2009
An exhibition featuring entries in the 2009 New Zealand Prisoners Art Competition was opened by the Hon Dr Pita Sharples, Associate Minister of Corrections, at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul on Wednesday 6 May.

Dr Sharples also announced the five winning artworks, selected by a panel of judges brought together by Arts Access Aotearoa. The judges were Fiona Elwood, Manager of Pablos Art Studio; Linda Gilbert, visual artist; and Richard Reddaway and Bryce Galloway of the Massey School of Fine Arts.

Dr Sharples spent time looking at the artworks before opening the exhibition. “It’s quite clear that the arts are a very important option for prisoners to be able to take up. It’s a chance for them to express themselves and find some peace,” he said. “I can feel the emotion and the care in these works. Some of them are technically excellent.”

The New Zealand Prisoners Art Competition is a section of the 2009 International Prisoners Art Competition, to be judged and exhibited in Austria. The five selected artworks from New Zealand will be entered into the international competition.

This is the second International Prisoners Art Competition, initiated in 2005 by the International Commission for Catholic Prison Pastoral Care. This event attracted more than 1500 finalist entries from 49 countries. An entry by a New Zealand prisoner was among the 50 prize-winners.

The Prison Chaplaincy Service of Aotearoa New Zealand in association with the New Zealand Prison Chaplains Association is organising the New Zealand competition and exhibition. Brother Kieran Garvey says that more than 60 entries have been received, all of which will be on display at the cathedral.

“The theme for this year’s competition is ‘Signs of Life’ and there’s been a great range of entries showing the artistic talents of prisoners throughout New Zealand,” he says.

Brother Kieran has been a prison chaplain for 36 years, including 18 years as senior national prison chaplain.

“There is international evidence that taking part in arts and culture activities, including the visual arts, provides a sense of self-worth and achievement. These activities play a significant role in the rehabilitation of prisoners and can help them re-integrate into society on their release.”

The exhibition runs at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul from 6 to 8 May.