The exhibition, called Inhibition, explores issues around self-control and willpower and the title was chosen by the prison artists.
Works by 30 people are on display and include acrylic paintings and mixed media drawings.
Greenock Prison worked with Fife College art tutors over the course of a year with classes aimed at helping people serving sentences to develop their critical thinking and communication skills, as well as boosting collaboration and conversation.
READ MORE:
‘Once in a lifetime’ Turner exhibition coming to Scotland for one month only
Famous Scottish artist reveals secret behind success in new Glasgow show
Earlier this year, artworks created in Scottish prisons won 244 awards at the national Koestler Awards.
The works are on display at the Beacon’s visual arts space until January.
It is the latest exhibition at the Beacon’s waterfront arts space. Other shows this year include Michael Clarence’s show Depending On How You Paint Your Vegetables, Interchange by Erin McQuarrie, Heather Shields and Suzie Cichy, and the Summer Open exhibition of work by local artists.
The art programme is overseen by the Beacon’s guest curator Fraser Taylor, who is an honorary professor at the Glasgow School of Art and was previously Visiting Artist and Adjunct Professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Mr Taylor said: “The Beacon’s mission is to make a lasting impact and to light up lives by giving as many people as possible the chance to engage with the arts.
“We are proud to bring these thought provoking and sometimes challenging works by Greenock Prison’s art group to a wider audience. The arts have the power to boost self-belief, confidence and self-expression – and these extraordinary pieces also shine a light on life inside prison, offering an important perspective and understanding.
“We are proud of the Beacon’s diverse and inclusive visual arts exhibition programme which engages with local and national communities. There is a focus on exhibiting artists of all levels of experience who create work that is vibrant and relevant and prompts questions allowing us to view the world differently.”
Morag Stirling, Governor in Charge of HMP Greenock, said: “We know that creative opportunities can support good mental health and give individuals a positive outlet to express themselves and build confidence; something that is especially impactful within a prison environment.
“We are therefore very grateful to the Beacon for giving those in our care a platform to exhibit some of the fantastic artwork they have produced, and we hope this will be enjoyed by the wider community.”
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
