Art emerges from behind bars

Prisoners across the country this week were able to display their art skills when more than 150 works of art created by around 70 prisoners were exhibited at the Public Library Auditorium.

The exhibition, which was held from March 2-4, was organised by the Prisons Department as part of a rehabilitation programme for inmates.

Prisons Commissioner General T. M. T. W. Thennakoon was the Chief Guest at this event. Members of the public, including school children, were present.

The emotive displays portrayed the cavalcade of emotions that life inside a prison cell invoked in a person, as these artists dug deep into their creative energies for this presentation. Eighteen inmates were awarded with trophies and certificates for their talents. However, no family members had been invited to celebrate the illustrious presentations of their loved ones.

Many paintings focusing on religious beliefs were colourfully expressed through presentations of Lord Buddha and Lord Ganesh. An evocative piece on the inmate’s perspective of his surroundings as he drew won first prize at the exhibition. Many illustrations portrayed grim reflections of life in prison. One such painting drew an inmate from an out-of- the-cell view as he kneeled inside his cell.

Paintings of long-haired girls with violins and flowers also decorated the walls of the auditorium as inmates had given way to all their musings. Drawings of beautiful waterfalls and abstract expressions of art also added to the variety of work presented. Some inmates were given the opportunity to conduct live drawing sessions at the exhibition.

“Even though they are in prison, the inmates’ artistic skills should not be stifled,” Commissioner General Thennakoon said.