Sunday Times 2
Finding freedom on canvas
The Prisons Department will present an art exhibition on March 2, 3 and 4 at the Public Library as a special rehabilitation programme for detainees. Over 70 detainees will exhibit more than 150 works completed on canvas with the use of acrylic paints.
According to Commissioner General of Prisons.M.J.W. Thennakoon, “Most of these detainees have hidden talents but they don’t have the opportunities to show them. It was in May 2019 that we first commenced this programme.
“Initially 600 detainees were involved in this programme. The prisoners exhibiting their work were selected after four rounds of training. Within the confines of the prison they have expressed their emotion in an open forum in a melancholy way,” he said.
Said one detainess, “I have been detained since 2016. This is the first time we are able to exhibit our work in a public place. I cannot express in words the happiness I feel.”
Another said, “This is the first time I have used a paint brush to paint a picture. I completed 27 pictures. It’s hard for me to explain but when I draw, my mind is filled with an immense sense of relief.”
The Prisons Department invites all citizens, students and art lovers to come and view these paintings. Pix by Amila Gamage