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KOESTLER ARTS
The I and the We: Koestler Arts’ latest exhibition Each year, Koestler Arts holds an exhibition to showcase artwork from people in prison. From portraits and paintings to graphic novels and sculptures, this year’s exhibition, titled The I and the We, features a range of works that were all created during the pandemic. Sarah Matheve, Director of Outreach at Koestler Arts, tells us a bit more about their awards and exhibitions, and gives us a sneak preview of some of your successful entries.
A
t Koestler Arts we have the rewarding role of encouraging people in prison to share their art with us, and as a result we get to see your amazing talents. From crocheted toy bears, origami minions, and photo-realistic drawings of beloved family members, to soap carvings, song lyrics, and poetry written on toilet roll paper, the 52 different entry categories allow anything creative to find a home at Koestler Arts. Each entrant gets a certificate, and many will receive a cash prize if their work is selected as an awardwinner. We also aim to give feedback to as many of our entrants as possible. The process of being creative can be incredibly therapeutic. The work that we
receive from the women’s prison estate often shows that the process of creating has been just as important as the end result. Whether it’s because the work was made as part of a group, which allowed for conversations and camaraderie, or the subject matter helped the creator say something to the world or to themselves. Art itself doesn’t heal, but the process of making it can be healing, as can the process of looking at it. When you read a poem and recognise the writer shares the same feelings as you, it can help you heal. When you paint a picture and people tell you it made them smile, it can help you both heal. And when you are proud of a handmade greeting card that you made for a family member, that can also be healing.
