Inmates show their artistic side with wonderful painting

A painting inspired by the work of renowned Scottish artist John Bellany has gone on public display at Perth Museum and Art Gallery.

The artwork is the result of a collaboration between Culture Perth and Kinross, Fife College and the Scottish Prison Service, through which a group of learners in HMP Perth created a collective work of art influenced by Bellany.

Over several weeks, the recovery group from HMP Perth drew inspiration from copies of Bellany’s works in the museum’s collection to produce the work entitled ‘The Encounter’while working with the Fife College art therapist within the prison.

A Culture PK spokesperson said:“The group produced a thought-provoking piece of art which expresses their views and emotions while subtly referencing concepts such as isolation, losing their way and justice using scales, signs and depictions of people.

“Many of the learners are engaging with programmes such as this to reduce offending and provide positive outlets to reintegrate them into society.

“‘The Encounter’borrows the bold and harmonised Bellany colour palette, displaying a possible encounter between two figures, both at different stages of addiction and recovery.”

One learner said:“For me, the biggest Bellany inspiration is not what you will see on the canvas, or what we saw in his work but Bellany himself - he fought addiction all his life.”

‘The Encounter’will be displayed at Perth Museum and Art Gallery until May 31, 2020.