Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Hereditary Princess Sophie von und zu Liechtenstein, the Berlin association Art and Prison e.V. is showing the prize-winning works and a representative selection of the almost 400 entries to the latest art competition on the theme "Discover the colors of your world".
Anyone who looks at the works and enters into a dialogue with them will also discover their own personal perception of colors, shapes and motifs, which were artistically implemented by the people concerned in their own way: Confident pictures from childhood memories, pictures that defy the grey and darkness of everyday prison life with colorful, bright images from better times, or pictures that bring to mind the "pitch-black days" of a past that is not without hope, even under the conditions of imprisonment. In the works we find tragic moments of loneliness and guilty entanglement, terrifying dream worlds, but also scenes of successful integration, unbroken hope for life and the longed-for prospect of a new beginning in dignity and decent conditions. It is not the moral quality of the artist, not the physical narrowness of their living conditions, but their creative expressiveness as a sign of their hope that constitutes the quality of art.
Liechtenstein National Museum: Discover the colors of your world - pictures from imprisonment, Rodzer, Poland © LLM
The association Art and Prison e.V. was founded in 2009, recognized as a non-profit organization and has been committed to helping people in prison throughout Europe ever since. The visual and performing arts are a suitable means of raising awareness about the often difficult situation of the people affected. By engaging with "art from prison", communication takes place both on a personal and social level. In this way, the power of art can be used to bring about positive change. Numerous women, men and young people have taken part in the international art competitions organized by Art and Prison e.V.. Their entries have resulted in a unique art collection of over 2,500 works. A representative selection of the artworks was shown in more than 40 exhibitions at many locations in various European countries. Exhibition spaces have included museums, ministries, courthouses, renowned galleries and educational establishments.
Art and Prison e.V. works together with universities, academies and institutions from the fields of education, culture, politics and business. It also cooperates with specialist educational departments, therapy facilities and prison workshops. The association makes a valuable contribution to resocialization, taking into account the perspective of victims of violence and crime. Its commitment to women in prison, especially women with children, deserves special mention. Art and Prison e.V. is committed to the idea of building bridges to people on the margins of society so that concepts such as humanity, social justice and human dignity can be applied in practice.
March 14 to September 1, 2024
www.landesmuseum.li
Liechtenstein National Museum: Discover the colors of your world - Pictures from detention, Mariusz, Poland © LLM
