Art in the Park profiles prisoners’ work

11 February 2009
Major carvings made from Kauri taken from Northland swamps and thousands of years old are part of an exhibition of art by prisoners featuring at Art in the Park in Albany, Auckland on Saturday 14 February.

Approximately 80 artworks by prisoners will be on display in Kell Park, alongside the work of many local Auckland artists. A carved waharoa (gateway) to be donated to a local Albany school, will also be displayed.

“I am delighted to be able to display some of the wonderful art coming out of Corrections facilities and I hope local art lovers are as interested as I am,” Albany community co-ordinator Robynne Pringle says.

Prisoners from Springhill Corrections Facility, Auckland Prison, Mt Eden Prison, Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility and Northland Regional Corrections Facility will have art on display at the event.

Boosting self-esteem

Mark Lynds, Department of Corrections’ Programmes Manager for Auckland Prison and the Northland Regional Corrections Facility, jumped at the chance when he was asked to be involved in exhibiting prisoners’ artwork at this community event.

“It helps the artists promote their work and they are always keen to get another view on what they’ve been able to achieve,” he says. “Most of the prisoners I’ve been working with over the past 20 years have a very low opinion of themselves. Something like this can really boost their self-esteem and pride.

“Although none of the artwork on display will be for sale, there is also a serious business side to it for these prisoners. Some of them may make a living from their art when they’re released. Being involved in this event has taught them a range of skills such as how to put together an exhibition and write an artist statement.”

A series of cards featuring the work will be on sale at the event. Already, Mark says, $1000 has been raised from the card sales. Money raised from the sale of the cards will be donated to Victim Support.

“They really do get a great thrill giving back to the community,” he says.

As for the local community viewing the exhibition, Mark hopes it will help people understand how the arts and culture can be a rehabilitative tool for prisoners.

Regaining lost mana

“Especially for Māori involved in carving, art helps them get back some of their lost mana,” he says. “As part of becoming a carver, they learn about their whakapapa and traditional carving methods.”

After the exhibition, the artworks will be returned to the prisons and some of it will be displayed within the prison environment.

“I’m keen to see prisoners’ artwork displayed in the facilities,” Mark says. “The works selected for display all have positive messages, which helps create an environment that encourages positive thinking.”