What Makes You, You?
What Makes You, You? At Nottingham Prison These intriguing, graphic portraits have been crafted by artist Sally Sheinman. Each one represents the essence of a person who answered the question, ‘What makes you, you?’ The portraits are the result of an 18-month collaboration with the National Justice Museum and HMPS Nottingham. The bold, graphic representations sit with their associated text and highlight the connections between us as human beings; through the small things that are important in all our lives, no matter what our circumstances are. In representing voices that are less heard we hope to encourage community, understanding, and dialogue. Sally created one portrait a week, for each of the 48 responses we received from the men living in the prison. The portraits were shared every Sunday on
social media and are shown here as a collection for the first time. A collection of hope, vulnerability and strength. “The prison community reflects that of any other community and therefore the quotes are equally transferable to in or outside of the prison.” Phil Novis, Governor of HMPS Nottingham This interactive digital project with Sally Sheinman, HMPS Nottingham and the National Justice Museum took place between March 2019 and March 2020 and was funded by Arts Council England.
No 553
Lost and confused.
No 554
Strength to smile and be happy every day.
No 555
Football and beer.
No 556
Picking up broken glass to make a life for me and my family.
No 557
Turning darkness into light.
No 558
I am an angel falling from the sky.
No 559
Lighting the way.
No 560
One of a kind, make my own decisions.
No 561
I’ve been here, there and everywhere.
No 562
I am that is, that is I am!
No 563
The love of my children keeps me going.
No 564
My word. People know if I give my word it is my bond.
No 565
Flexible behaviour.
No 566
Logical then irrational, confident then lack of self-esteem, consistently unpredictable.
No 567
Unlimited being.
No 568
Rebirth of the phoenix – self destruct then get back on track.
No 569
I’m old school and I like country music.
No 570
Weekend with my family in front of the TV.
No 571
I’m complicated but caring.
No 572
What hasn’t killed me has made me stronger.
No 573
Loyalty and trust.
No 574
My past and the ever flowing present from which I am constantly upgraded.
No 575
I am a human, don’t judge me by my cover.
No 576
Good teaching from great people.
No 577
If it’s not broke don’t fix it, make your bed and lie in it.
No 578
Cut me open and you will see food flow out like blood.
No 579
Even though I’m in prison, I’m a friendly person and a loving father.
No 580
Never think of the future it comes soon enough.
No 581
Work hard and get where I need to be.
No 582
Talking, laughing and a warm heart.
No 583
I am fragile, hurt and care too much about what other people think.
No 584
Confidence, femininity, grace, a rose in a concrete world.
No 585
Calm, creative and collected.
No 586
Mistakes, experience, determination and the need to always be right.
No 587
The ability to change and do whatever I want.
No 588
Funny but frustrated.
No 589
Hardworking, loving, hard face man that loves his kids.
No 590
I like heritage, countryside and history.
No 591
Flexible behaviour, considerate towards my girlfriend who I love.
No 592
I feel that I’ve struggled through life but finally getting somewhere and doing my best to make up for my mistakes.
No 593
Live life like you want it to be.
No 594
I pay attention (observe), then react or respond accordingly.
No 595
Talking, laughing and a warm heart.
No 596
Family and food.
No 597
Fast cars and gardening and looking after people.
No 598
Reliable and committed in whatever I do. My son is my biggest accomplishment and I’m football through and through.
No 599
My family represent me, it’s a lesson learnt and not a loss.
No 600
Approachable and understanding.